MCI Helps Businesses Advance Private Data and IP Networking

MCI Helps Businesses Advance Private Data and IP Networking
Companies Can Now Expand Corporate Networks With Broadband to Securely and
Affordably Link Remote Offices



ASHBURN, Va., June 21  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCIP) today
unveiled two new additions to its Secure Interworking Gateway (SIG) Services
suite to help business and government customers extend their enterprise
networks by securely combining the power of private and public IP networking.
Both new services -- Broadband VPN Interworking and Secure Internet Access --
take advantage of the interoperability, intelligence and security built into
MCI's network to effectively and affordably bridge the benefits of private and
public IP communications.

"MCI continues to raise the intelligence and interoperability of our network,"
said Nancy Gofus, MCI senior vice president of Product Management. "This
comprehensive suite of secure gateway services meets the growing requirements
companies have to advance their capabilities in an IP world."

With Broadband VPN Interworking, MCI Frame Relay and Private IP customers can
now connect smaller remote offices with low-cost secure broadband connectivity
using DSL and cable access. MCI's Broadband VPN Interworking also provides
built-in redundancy with dual SIG ports for continuous network operation, as
well as a low-cost failover solution for Private IP customers to improve
business continuity. Ideal for companies with a highly distributed workforce,
such as retailers, customers can cost-effectively connect multiple locations to
enhance communications with corporate headquarters, while taking advantage of
advanced technology, such as in-store kiosks, to better serve customers.

With Secure Internet Access, businesses can now securely connect their Frame,
ATM and Private IP networks to the Internet for Web access and email through an
MCI network-based firewall. Since the equipment is network-based, customers
benefit from reduced cost of ownership while relying on MCI to protect their
networks from common Internet-based security threats and attacks. The service
also helps ensure stability and predictability of a customer's corporate wide
area networking environment.

"These additions to the Secure Interworking Gateway (SIG) suite of services
allow customers to tie together their private and public IP communications
seamlessly," said Brian Washburn, principal analyst at Current Analysis, a
Virginia-based industry analyst firm.  "MCI is using the intelligence built
into its network to help customers streamline their own networks more
affordably."

MCI's SIG platform was designed to provide vast scalability and resiliency and
is ideal for any size business. Enabling enterprises to transition to new
technology with ease, customers do not need to buy or lease additional
hardware. As a network-based solution, MCI owns, manages, monitors and updates
the gateways deployed within its own infrastructure and ensures seamless
delivery of customer traffic from origination to destination. By outsourcing
this function to MCI, customers can better focus on their core business.

The new services are available immediately to U.S-based customers with plans to
roll-out Broadband VPN Interworking and Secure Internet Access in Europe and
Asia Pacific later this year.

MCI's SIG Services Suite

MCI's offers a complete suite of SIG services, enabling customers to take
advantage of a one-solution approach to bridge the gap between private and
public IP networks with built-in security. This approach allows for more
streamlined network management, lower costs and reduced capital expenditures.
Broadband VPN Interworking and Secure Internet Access join a comprehensive
portfolio of SIG Services, including Network-Based Remote Access and Dedicated
VPN Interworking, formerly VPN Gateway.

About MCI

MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCIP) is a leading global communications provider, delivering
innovative, cost-effective, advanced communications connectivity to businesses,
governments and consumers. With one of the most expansive global IP backbones
and wholly-owned data networks, MCI develops the converged communications
products and services that are the foundation for commerce and communications
in today's market. For more information, go to http://www.mci.com/ . 

DATASOURCE: MCI, Inc.



CONTACT:  Media, Janet Brumfield of MCI, Inc., +1-800-644-NEWS,





Web site:  http://www.mci.com/ 

Copyright