AT&T, Cisco Do Telepresence

SAN ANTONIO -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T - News) today announced global plans to deliver the industry's first, fully managed Cisco TelePresence solution that allows companies to connect to their customers, suppliers and partners worldwide.

The new offer -- AT&T Telepresence Solution -- is a highly scalable solution that creates unique, 'in-person' experiences with the simplicity of a phone call. The AT&T Telepresence Solution will also provide a "meet-me" feature that enables intercompany connectivity -- a key component and industry-first feature that distinguishes the AT&T solution from any other telepresence offer available today.

The AT&T Telepresence Solution is expected to be available in the second half of 2008 in 23 countries, with additional countries planned for 2009. AT&T and Cisco have started early trials with key customers. Sales teams from AT&T and Cisco will target U.S.-based multinational companies and selected companies headquartered outside of the U.S. in their initial efforts.

AT&T and Cisco have joined forces to enable the growth and use of telepresence technology among businesses and organizations. Today's announcement is the first of what is expected to be many industry-leading innovations to be introduced by AT&T and Cisco.

AT&T and Cisco have agreed to combine the innovative Cisco TelePresence solution with AT&T's Internet Protocol (IP) network and Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities to create new ways for companies to collaborate and conduct global business across industries that will include health care, high-tech, retail and government.

"The AT&T Telepresence Solution is the latest example of how we're helping enterprises to improve 'business velocity' by enabling them to move quicker and make better business decisions," said Ronald E. Spears, AT&T group president of Global Business Services. "Customers can take advantage of the power of the AT&T network and our expertise in providing world-class services to enjoy the multitude of benefits of this fully immersive collaboration technology."

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T)

Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO)