Avaya Named to the 2008 "World's Most Ethical Companies" List by the Ethisphere Institute

BASKING RIDGE, NJ--(Marketwire - June 4, 2008) - Avaya, a leading global provider of business communications applications, systems and services, has been named to World's Most Ethical Companies list for 2008 by The Ethisphere Institute. This marks the second consecutive year Avaya has been named to the annual listing which was initiated in 2007.

Ethisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the research and promotion of profitable best practices in global governance, business ethics, compliance and corporate responsibility, revealed the award at the Ethisphere and Forbes joint-conference, "Driving Profit through Ethical Leadership," held on June 3rd. The list of World's Most Ethical companies will also be featured in the Q2 issue of Ethisphere Magazine.

Avaya was also named to Ethisphere Institute's Best Overall Government Contractors Ethics Program earlier this year, ranking seventh out of more than 1000 companies analyzed by the Institute.

"Adherence to the highest ethical standards is a key factor in Avaya's core values," said Peter Liria, director, global ethics and compliance program, Avaya. "We communicate this with each employee on a regular basis -- regardless of their title and role. It's an honor to be recognized for our commitment for the second year in a row."

Researchers and analysts reviewed thousands of companies on six continents to determine the finalists using a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. The 2008 World's Most Ethical Companies methodology committee is comprised of leading attorneys, government officials, professors and leaders who care about ethical and honest business practices.

"We applaud Avaya. Avaya is among the companies honored this year because they have developed impressive and meaningful ethical business practices, making them true standouts within their industries," said Alexander Brigham, executive director of Ethisphere Institute. "They go well beyond legal minimums, opting instead to bring about innovative ideas that contribute to the public well being. By their actions, they are forcing their competitors to follow suit, or fall behind and truly embodying the notion that ethical business practices are more profitable in the long run."

Ethisphere analysts reviewed codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluated investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looked at companies' activities to improve corporate citizenship; studied nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and worked with consumer action groups for feedback and rating.

The day-long conference, which featured Forbes editors and executives from world-renowned corporations, universities and ethics organizations, focused on ethical culture and leadership and highlighted companies' experiences and ethical challenges, provided advice on preparing for ethical dilemmas and gave viewpoints from an investor's perspective. The conference culminated with recognizing Ethisphere Magazine's 2008 World's Most Ethical Companies at an evening awards dinner.

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 provide comprehensive service and support for companies, small to large. For more information, visit the Avaya Web site at http://www.avaya.com.

About Ethisphere Institute

The research-based Ethisphere Institute and associated membership group, the Ethisphere Council, are supported by more than 100 institutions and corporations, including Thomson West, the Practising Law Institute, the National Association of Corporate Directors, the Global Reporting Initiative, Corpedia and dozens of others. The Institute is dedicated to the research, creation, and sharing of best practices in ethics, compliance, and corporate governance among its membership companies. It also focuses on the development and advancement of individuals on its membership council through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. Ethisphere Magazine is the quarterly publication of the Institute. More information on membership can be found at http://www.ethisphere.com.

The Ethisphere Institute publishes the globally-recognized annual World's Most Ethical Companies Ranking™ as well as the Government Contractor Ethics Program Ranking™ and the upcoming Global Anti-Corruption Quotient.

Contact Information: Deb Kline Avaya Media Relations 908-953-6179 klined@avaya.com Jennifer Avrhami Ethisphere Magazine 480.941.8497 ext 119 jennifer@mindspace.com