COLT Delivers First In A Portfolio Of Innovative Managed Communications Services For SMEs

COLT SecureIT 'inspires' first customer with hassle-free, secure, affordable service


LONDON, Oct. 20, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- COLT DELIVERS FIRST IN A PORTFOLIO OF INNOVATIVE MANAGED COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES FOR SMEs

COLT SecureIT 'inspires' first customer with hassle-free, secure, affordable service

London, 20 October -- In line with its future strategic direction 'Future in Focus', announced today, COLT is launching COLT SecureIT for small and medium sized organizations (SMEs), the first in a portfolio of services to extend COLT's IP management services to the local area network (LAN) and desktop environment.

As communications infrastructure becomes increasingly time-consuming and costly to manage, SMEs are looking for a simple-to-deploy, reliable and affordable service to manage their infrastructure for them. COLT is able to provide this service by extending the robustness and quality of its network, currently enjoyed by the 42,000 SMEs across Europe, to the LAN and desktop environment.

With COLT SecureIT, SMEs benefit from having their IP infrastructure and devices managed for them and access to the latest functionality and security, charged for on a fixed per user monthly fee. For the first time, customers will have access to a service desk providing a single point of contact for all services offered, regardless of user location. Features include messaging, managed security with the latest virus and anti-spam software, automated daily back-up, mobility services and proactive monitoring around the clock.

COLT is also delighted to announce that telemarketing company, Inspire Management Systems Ltd, has become the first customer of the service. Since becoming a user in September, Inspire has been freed to focus fully on its core business, as Mark Page, managing director Inspire explains:

"Not only does COLT's service alleviate the responsibility and hassle of managing our infrastructure network, but it also protects us from virus attacks and unexpected costs. In fact, one of the biggest reasons for choosing the solution was the predictable monthly cost structure. Because we are in a growth period, being able to add users with ease was also of great appeal."

Available now in the UK, COLT SecureIT will form one of the components of the new bundled communications and IP management service for SMEs, scheduled for launch in all European markets in early 2005. The service offers a menu of voice, data, security and desktop support services as required by the customer, based on a fixed monthly price to help the customer manage their costs more predictably.

"COLT SecureIT brings the wide area and local area networks together to offer a holistic approach to managing customers' communications," explained Daryl Szebesta, senior director, Managed Services Unit. "This simple-to-deploy, 'plug-and-play' service provides peace-of-mind, freeing the customer to focus on what they do best, knowing their systems are secure, up-to-date and one number away from help."

About COLT

COLT Telecom Group plc is a leading pan-European provider of business communications services and solutions. The company owns an integrated 20,000 kilometre network that directly connects approximately 10,000 buildings in 32 major cities in 13 countries augmented with a further 42 points of presence across Europe and 11 Internet Solution Centres. COLT supplies customers across the full spectrum of industry, service and government sectors with unrivalled end-to-end network security, reliability and service.

COLT Telecom Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (CTM.L) and NASDAQ (COLT). Information about COLT and its products and services can be found on the web at www.colt.net.



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