Sterling Commerce Enhances Customer Experience With New Online Community and Customer Connection 2009

New Tool Is Part of an Integrated Communications Strategy to Help Customers Enhance Their Collaborative Business Processes


COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwire - March 4, 2009) - Sterling Commerce, an AT&T Inc (NYSE: T) company, today introduced a new online resource -- Sterling Customer Center-- a one-stop shop for all customer needs, including support and case management, access to on-demand applications, product information, industry thought leadership, and opportunities to interact with other customers. Customers have easier access to the information they want and can better network with peers and thought leaders to gain the power of community through the new portal.

Sterling Customer Center went live in December 2008 and now has more than 8,000 users. The portal is a cornerstone of the company's integrated communications strategy. It provides customers with a self-service tool for all things business collaboration. From there, Sterling Commerce offers other touchpoints that deepen the experience, such as frequent web seminars on hot topics, a monthly newsletter, user forums that are moderated by Sterling Commerce knowledge experts, and Customer Connection, the company's user conference.

"The access to information and resources Sterling Commerce is delivering with the new portal has enabled me to increase the value I get from our Sterling Commerce business-to-business integration solutions," said Andy Desilet, manager of Corporate EDI at Boise Cascade. "It's more than just product information, Sterling Commerce experts are sharing real-world best practices and industry trend information that help me tackle everyday challenges and prepare for the future."

Sterling Commerce also announced today that the Customer Connection 2009 will be held April 27 through 29 in San Antonio, Texas. Customer Connection extends the online experience of the portal to provide customers with an opportunity to gather and discuss best practices to optimize and transform their businesses processes.

"With these efforts, Sterling Commerce is demonstrating that, even in times of economic challenge, our customers must come first. By providing our customers with a world-class experience, we ensure their success in addressing today's most complex challenges," said Joel Reed, senior vice president, Corporate Marketing and Global Alliances, Sterling Commerce. "Sterling Commerce believes that no company is successful alone. This year, Customer Connection will be the preeminent event of 2009 focused on how companies can leverage their network of customers, partners and suppliers to accelerate revenues and reduce costs."

Customer Connection 2009 will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about technology innovations and trends, network with peers, and hear best practices from industry leaders. The conference will feature Randall L. Stephenson, chairman and CEO of AT&T as the keynote speaker. Mr. Stephenson will share his perspective on the role of connectivity in driving business today and in the future. Other speakers will include representatives from Ameriprise, Cengage Learning, Jabil Circuit, and True Value, in addition to several speakers from leading industry analyst firms. More information and online registration can be found at http://webapps.sterlingcommerce.com/connection09/index.php

About Sterling Commerce

Sterling Commerce, an AT&T Inc (NYSE: T) company, helps customers thrive in a global economy by connecting their business communities, processes, people and technology. More than 30,000 customers worldwide use Sterling Commerce solutions for business process integration, multi-channel selling, and supply chain fulfillment, and payments management to optimize business performance inside and outside their enterprise. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Sterling Commerce has offices in 24 countries around the world. More information can be found at www.sterlingcommerce.com