Avaya Among 2009 "World's Most Ethical Companies" for Third Consecutive Year

BASKING RIDGE, NJ--(Marketwire - April 23, 2009) - Avaya Inc., a leading global provider of business communications applications, systems and services, today announced it has been named one of the 2009 World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. Avaya earned a spot on the list for the third consecutive year by going beyond legal minimums, introducing innovative ideas to benefit the public and serving as a role model for others in the industry by demonstrating what it takes to be an ethical leader.

"Avaya is honored to be named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies, validating our commitment to promoting a solid ethical environment within our corporation," said Peter Liria, senior director, Global Ethics and Compliance, Avaya. "Ethics are an integral part of running our business and we strive to ensure all of our employees maintain the high standards we have set."

This is the third year Ethisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability, has published the WME rankings, which appear in Ethisphere Magazine's Q1 issue.

Through a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process, Ethisphere's researchers and analysts reviewed more than 10,000 companies in order to determine the finalists.

"Avaya has proven to be one of the world leaders in upholding high ethical standards, making it a true standout in its industry, especially as unethical business actions and decisions grab headlines each day," said Alex Brigham, Executive Director of the Ethisphere Institute. "The competition for this year's World's Most Ethical Companies was very strong and we applaud Avaya for rising to the top. Avaya recognizes that being ethical is not only the right thing to do, it is also good business practice and leads to more successful and profitable operations."

The methodology for the WME ranking includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and working with consumer action groups for feedback. The 2009 World's Most Ethical Companies methodology committee, comprised of leading attorneys, government officials, professors and organization leaders, were consulted early on in the 2009 WME process and had the opportunity to review and comment on the methodology used to rate this year's nominees. Ethisphere researchers further analyze information provided by the companies through questionnaires.

To view the complete list of the 2009 World's Most Ethical Companies, please visit www.ethisphere.org/wme2009

About Avaya

Avaya is a global leader in enterprise communications systems. The company provides unified communications, contact centers, and related services directly and through its channel partners to leading businesses and organizations around the world. Enterprises of all sizes depend on Avaya for state-of-the-art communications that improve efficiency, collaboration, customer service, and competitiveness. For more information please visit www.avaya.com.

About Ethisphere Institute

The research-based Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. The Institute's associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, is a forum for business ethics that includes more than 200 leading corporations, universities and institutions. The Ethisphere Council is dedicated to the development and advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. Ethisphere Magazine, which publishes the globally recognized World's Most Ethical Companies Ranking™, is the quarterly publication of the Institute. More information on the Ethisphere Institute, including ranking projects and membership, can be found at http://www.ethisphere.org.

Contact Information: Avaya Contact: Deb Kline 908-953-6179 klined@avaya.com Ethisphere Contact Emily Parker 212-446-1899 eparker@sloanepr.com