Avaya and Midwest Technology Connection Award Technology Makeover to Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri

BASKING RIDGE, NJ and KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwire - April 21, 2009) - Avaya Inc., a leading global provider of business communications software and systems, and Midwest Technology Connection (MTC) Inc., today announced that the Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas & Northwest Missouri council was selected as the grand prize winner of MTC's Xtreme Technology Makeover contest. The award will assist the Girl Scouts in its ongoing organizational development by providing and implementing up to $130,000 in technology equipment and services.

The winner was announced Friday at MTC's 2009 Strategic Business Forum. An annual event, this year's Forum brought Kansas City-area business and technology companies together to share insights and strategies on ways to stay competitive in a tough economy. As part of the contest, each contestant's existing business technology and challenges were evaluated to identify how they could streamline operations and cut costs.

"Over many years, our council has struggled to keep up with technology innovations due to budget constraints, so to be the grand prize winner of the MTC Xtreme Technology Makeover will have a tremendous impact on the lives of our girls and the council," said Carol Hansen, EdD, Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri. "We will finally be able to be proactive in our technology systems instead of reactive!"

Avaya, HP and Microsoft served as sponsors of the MTC 2009 Strategic Business Forum and Xtreme Technology Makeover contest. MTC is a silver-certified Avaya BusinessPartner, and HP Elite Partner and an authorized HP service provider, and Microsoft Gold Certified Partner.

By sponsoring the contest, the companies encouraged businesses and organizations to look at their technology as a strategic tool that can help them ride out the tough economic climate and efficiently support future growth, rather than simply a means to "make do."

"Business initiative combined with technological innovation can trigger greater productivity and spur economic growth. It is precisely in times like these when awareness and understanding of new possibilities enabled by technology can make the difference between job loss and job creation," said Brett W. Littrell, president of Midwest Technology Connection. "We immediately recognized the opportunity to help the Girl Scouts improve their operations and to support their ongoing impact on the success of the broader community."

"As businesses continue to struggle in a tough economy, it's essential to understand where technological innovation fits into your business strategy to help reduce costs and stay competitive," said Carol Giles Neslund, vice president, North America Channels, Avaya. "Through Avaya and channel partners like MTC, a broad range of communications devices, applications and networks can be integrated and used for greater business efficiencies and significant cost savings."

The Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri is an 86-year-old regional council based in the Kansas City area and part of Girl Scouts U.S.A., which aims to help girls grow courageous and strong through a variety of enriching experiences. The NE Kansas & NW Missouri council serves approximately 48,000 registered Girl Scouts and more than 12,000 adult volunteers in 47 counties across Kansas and Missouri. As the grand prize winner, the Girls Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri will receive consultation, evaluation, design, implementation and maintenance for six months in addition to IT equipment specifically tailored to their needs.

About Avaya

Avaya delivers Intelligent Communications solutions that help companies transform their businesses to achieve marketplace advantage. More than one million businesses worldwide, including more than 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500®, use Avaya solutions for IP telephony, unified communications, contact centers and communications-enabled business processes. Avaya Global Services provides comprehensive service and support for companies, small to large. For more information, visit the Avaya Web site at http://www.avaya.com.

About MTC

Powerful and Efficient Technology Solutions Designed for Your Business

Founded in 1918, Kansas City-based Midwest Technology Connection (MTC) provides cost effective and efficient technology solutions for any-sized businesses. Whether you have one office or many, five employees or thousands, MTC has the right products and services for your success. MTC offers Managed Services for all your technological business needs, including your network, print environment and telephone system. MTC's reliable services allow you to improve your business processes and accelerate your business results. Current clients include government agencies, financial institutions, professional service firms and educational institutions, just to name a few. MTC is a silver-certified Avaya BusinessPartner, and HP Elite Partner and authorized HP service provider, and Microsoft Gold Certified Partner.

Contact Information: Deb Kline Avaya Media Relations 908-953-6179 klined@avaya.com