Etisalat launches advanced Global Data Services in cooperation with AT&T and NAVLINK

Etisalat will deliver global connectivity and IP VPN services working with AT&T and NavLink. Etisalat is to host the AT&T Global Network (AGN) node in the UAE, offering IP VPN services both to local UAE customers seeking global connectivity and to existing multinational customers of AT&T seeking to extend their presence and reach in the Gulf region. Furthermore, AT&T and NavLink are working with Etisalat on extending and leveraging the AGN node by providing a set of value-added managed services centered on the capabilities the node enables, such as hosting and managed security platforms.

Etisalat will now be able to offer network-based IP VPN solution provided via Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) standards over AT&T's global network. It provides IP-enabled, any-to-any, application-aware, managed VPN services that deliver security, flexibility and high performance levels for corporate intranet solutions on a global basis.

The IP VPN service delivers feature-rich capability of a fully managed IP network while providing the reliability, quality and security of an MPLS-based private network environment.

Services provided to customers include:
• The ability to connect seamlessly customers' worldwide branches with their headquarters in the UAE
• The capacity to handle critical and sensitive business information reliably and without delay
• Assurance of 'no single point of failure' allowing customers to continue to conduct business even in the event of a breakdown anywhere in the network
• One-Stop-Shopping: end-to-end management of all aspects of the service, including contract renewal, maintenance and billing.

Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat, said:

"Etisalat understands the need of businesses to communicate between worldwide locations and coordinate their operations, and has worked closely with market leaders to ensure a solution that addresses these needs in the most effective way. With the launch of the international IP-VPN service, we are extending the benefits of international connectivity to our business customers, enabling them to increase their productivity and efficiency by removing the limitations of distance. A solution such as the IP-VPN service is a smart investment for a business, with returns seen in a short time."

Commenting on the agreement, John Vladimir Slamecka, head of AT&T business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa said: "This announcement marks another important milestone in AT&T's global strategy to provide services to our global enterprise customers in high growth and rapidly expanding markets. The UAE is a key commercial crossroads between Europe and Asia and is seeing rapid economic growth and industrial development and this deployment of our infrastructure with a key local partner greatly enhances our ability to deliver for our customers. It also better enables AT&T to take advantage of local opportunities generated by regional companies who are themselves seizing the global opportunity and expanding their operations around the world."

George Chammas, Co-President and CFO of NavLink said "We're very pleased to team up with Etisalat and AT&T. This partnering agreement will leverage Etisalat's key presence in the UAE with AT&T's global reach and NavLink's solution expertise. Customers will benefit from best of class products and services to fulfill their most demanding enterprise networking and telecommunication needs."

Laurent Delifer, Co-president and COO of NavLink, added: "The establishment of the AT&T network node in Dubai is the fruit of close and faithful co-operation since many years between NavLink and Etisalat, and of AT&T's strategic decision of enhancing their presence in the Gulf region. We are excited to offer advanced IP-based services to customers in the region and globally and to continue breaking new ground with our trusted partners."