Lucent Technologies announces new 'suite' of desktop solutions

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. -- Lucent Technologies today announced a new suite of
DEFINITY Desktop Solutions for business, including a Windows-based
software package that significantly improves centralized call-handling and
a new "Internet phone" that allows for quick and easy network connection
of PCs, laptops, faxes and other devices.

Lucent Technologies is the new systems and technology company formed by
AT&T as part of its previously announced restructuring. The company is
introducing its first two products in a suite of offers within the
BusinessWorks family that are aimed at fully integrating desktop
multimedia communications.

"With new technology coming into the marketplace fast and furious, it is
more important than ever to simplify communications at the desktop," said
Joseph Hutto, director of Strategic Marketing for Lucent Technologies.
"That's what our products do. They eliminate the need for special
connection equipment, cut costs, increase productivity and make it easier
for our customers to serve their customers."

The first of the new offers is a Microsoft Windows-based desktop solution
called the DEFINITY PC Console. It is a software package that makes
centralized call handling simpler, faster and more powerful for businesses
large and small.

The other new offer is the 8411 Multifunctional DCP Voice Terminal. The
terminal provides digital voice communications, computer-telephony
integration and direct Internet access. All of this is provided over a
single wire connected to a single port on the DEFINITY Server, which cuts
wiring expenses and reduces the amount of desktop equipment required for
simultaneous voice and data communications.

The new DEFINITY PC Console works on either a 486 or Pentium-based PC and
features user-friendly on-screen buttons and icons that speed the process
of managing incoming calls.

Phone attendants can use the software to answer, hold and transfer calls at
the click of a mouse or keyboard button. They can also use an on-screen
directory -- which is fully integrated with the DEFINITY Server -- to look
up users by last name, first name, phone extension or by customized
"notes" keyed into the system.

Attendants can handle up to six calls on screen simultaneously, constantly
monitoring how long callers have been on hold. They can quickly determine
who is out of the office and then transfer callers to the listed back-up
person. Attendants can also gain direct access to employee "reach"
numbers, such as pagers or cellular phones.

In addition, the Windows environment lets users run other applications such
as word processing or spreadsheets while monitoring calls. Moreover, the
software allows for the "scanning in" of employee photos to assist in
facility security.

"The DEFINITY PC Console is the only fully integrated attendant system
available in the market today," said Hutto. "It is a virtual extension of
the DEFINITY call server, making directory updates and call processing
automatic. It also includes four default languages, and it can be
customized in other languages."

The DEFINITY PC Console can support up to 20,000 stations and process up to
400 calls an hour. It is generally available now in the U.S. for $4,400.
In international markets, prices vary according to country. Users must
have a PassageWay Direct Connection adapter, a digital phone terminal and
an IBM or equivalent PC with eight megabytes of memory and Windows 3.1 or
newer operating software.

The other new offer in the Desktop Solutions suite, the 8411
Multifunctional Voice Terminal, allows users to plug in a laptop computer
to download e-mail, access the Internet, or send and receive faxes via a
PC modem while talking on the phone. Customers can also use the analog
jack to plug in a desktop fax machine, answering machine or other adjunct
device. Previously, customers had to have separate analog phone lines for
these applications.

In addition, the 8411 Voice Terminal features built-in PassageWay Direct
Connection hardware, allowing customers to integrate many phone and
computer functions without adding extra equipment.

"Our new 8411 terminal reduces the number of desktop devices needed for
voice and data communications," said Hutto. "The 8411 is Lucent's newest,
best way to cut costs and, at the same time, combine several types of
messaging through a single device."

The 8411 terminal is compatible with the entire family of DEFINITY servers
as well as all System 75 and System 85 switches. Availability is planned
for the second quarter this year. Pricing starts at $465.

Lucent's suite of DEFINITY Desktop Solutions are part of the BusinessWorks
product strategy announced last year, under which the company provides
customers with end-to-end sales and service to meet all their
premises-based telecommunications needs.

Lucent Technologies plans to introduce Desktop Solutions that provide
high-speed digital service for additional Internet applications, faster
access alternatives for local area networks, and simultaneous voice, data
and visual collaboration.

Customers interested in finding out more about the DEFINITY Desktop
Solutions can contact their local Lucent Technologies account executive
(formerly AT&T Global Business Communications Services) or call
1-800-325-7466, Ext. 932.

Lucent Technologies designs, builds and delivers a wide range of public and
private networks, communications systems and software, consumer and
business telephone systems and microelectronics components. Bell
Laboratories is the research and development arm of the new company.

For more information about the DEFINITY Desktop Solutions, customers
should:

Call 1 800 325-7466, Ext. 932.

Contact their local Lucent Technologies account executive (formerly AT&T
Global Business Communications Services).
 
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