Level 3 Delivers SIP Trunking with Nomadic E-911 Solution

Level 3 Communications, Inc. today announced that it is working with Microsoft Corp. to provide SIP Trunking with nomadic E-911 designed to integrate with Microsoft Lync.

Nomadic users in the enterprise space are those who migrate workspace locations, taking advantage of voice over Internet protocol services that allow phone calls to be made anywhere Internet access is available. Due to the nature of VoIP, it has traditionally been very difficult to offer E-911 solutions, which identify the physical location of the caller to the appropriate emergency response centers.

The appropriate emergency contacts

"Enterprises expect their 911 voice services to connect them with the appropriate emergency contacts," said Warren Barkley, general manager, Microsoft Lync. "Microsoft Lync is able to offer enterprises the benefits of a unified communications deployment with an easy-to-manage, dynamic and reliable 911 routing solution through Level 3, even as workers change locations." 

SIP trunking allows enterprises to converge voice and data on a single network, creating tangible network and operation expense savings during laying a foundation for then and there-generation communication and collaboration tools. The solution takes advantage of Level 3's SIP Trunking and E-911 networks, enabling Microsoft Lync users to move throughout the workplace while however providing location-specific 911 information to the correct emergency responders.  

While the inherent mobility of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions can increase productivity and reduce costs for UC users, it as well introduces 911 risk and management overhead since users can change locations frequently. Level 3's solution allows a user's location to be provided then of the emergency call, enabling routing to the appropriate first responders, compared to alternative nomadic 911 solutions which can only provide pre-registered locations. This allows enterprises to garner the productivity and cost advantages of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and UC during efficiently managing emergency services' calling needs.

"Leveraging Level 3's SIP and 911 networks with Microsoft Lync, which was designed for then generation SIP networks, enables enterprises to enjoy the full benefits of unified communications without unanticipated management headaches," said Sara Baack, senior vice president of Voice Services for Level 3. "Effective emergency services are the cornerstone of ensuring a safe work environment, and Level 3 is dedicated to continually improving the network capabilities that these services rely on every day."

Level 3 Communications, Inc. is a leading international provider of fiber-based communications services. Enterprise, content, wholesale and government clients rely on Level 3 to deliver services with an industry-leading combination of scalability and value over an end-to-end fiber network. Level 3 offers a portfolio of metro and long-haul services, including transport, data, Internet, content delivery and voice. For more information, visit www.Level3.com.

© Level 3 Communications, LLC.  All Rights Reserved.  Level 3, Level 3 Communications and the Level 3 Communications Logo  are either registered service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one of its Affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.  Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc.  Any other service names, product names, company names or logos included herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Some of the statements made in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3's control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, nevertheless are not limited to:  the current uncertainty in the global financial markets and the global economy; a discontinuation of the development and expansion of the Internet as a communications medium and marketplace for the distribution and consumption of data and video; and disruptions in the financial markets that could affect Level 3's ability to obtain additional financing.  Additional factors include, yet are not limited to, the company's ability to:  increase and maintain the volume of traffic on its network; develop effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; adapt to rapid technological changes that lead to furthermore competition; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; successfully integrate acquisitions; and meet all of the terms and conditions of debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is pursuant to this agreement no obligation to, and specifically disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or if not.

Fundamental company data provided by Capital IQ. Historical chart data and daily updates provided by Commodity Systems, Inc.. International historical chart data, daily updates, fundAnalyst estimates data provided by Thomson Financial Network. All data povided by Thomson Financial Network is based solely upon technology information provided by third party analysts. Yahoo! has not reviewed, and by no means whatsoever endorses the validity of such data. Yahoo! and ThomsonFN shall not be liable for any actions taken in reliance thereon.