Dutch telecom operator KPN has selected Alcatel-Lucent (EuronextParis and NYSE: ALU) as lead network integrator to design, deliver, install, integrate and maintain anend-to-end multi-vendor IP Centrex solution. The Advanced Hosted VoIP solutionis part of KPN's All-IP strategy, which aims at building a next generationnetwork based on IP technology. The network enables KPN to offer hostedcommunication services for the small and medium enterprise (SME) market and todeliver a wide variety of new communication services to both consumers andbusinesses.

TheIP Centrex solution Alcatel-Lucent will deploy, is a multi vendor applicationand includes products from Broadsoft, Atreus and Comptel. Alcatel-Lucent willintegrate these products on the IMS Core it is currently deploying at KPN. Inaddition, Alcatel-Lucent will provide design services, network integration,project management and installation and testing services. Alcatel-Lucent wasselected after it and KPN concluded a successful pilot.

Withthe new solution KPN will be able to expand its business communicationsportfolio by introducing hosted Voice over IP and virtual PBX offerings to theSME andSOHOmarket. IP Centrex offers a lowcost solution to businesses that need to replace their end-of-life PBX systems.In addition it offers innovative IP-based applications to these customersandoffers a long term alternative for customers wanting to migrate from theirexisting ISDN based network to a fully IP basedenvironment.

"Offeringnew IP-based services to our customers is key in KPN's strategy for the future.Our new All-IP network integration services, will enable us to deliver on thisstrategy," said Louis Rustenhoven, vice president Voice of KPN."This new project specifically aims at small and medium businesses and theSOHOmarket that want to switch fromtraditional PBX telephony to advanced hosted IPcommunications."

"With this contract Alcatel-Lucent underlines its capabilities in multi-vendordeployments and network integration," said Christian Reinaudo, President of Alcatel-Lucent's Europeand Northactivities. "KPN is at the forefront of IP technology with a full transition of its network. We are proud to be able tocontribute to this transition, which enables KPN to deliver a wide variety ofnew compelling services to businesses and consumers."

Sourced From: Mutual Public Relations