Complete solution for telecommunications operators and service providers on IBM S/390 hardware and software platform

OSLO, June 21, 2000 --- IBM and EDB 4tel, the telecom software branch of EDB Business partner ASA, announced today a joint marketing relationship. This will be based on EDB 4tel's Customer Care and Billing solution, CCB 4tel, and the IBM S/390 hardware and software product portfolio supported by IBM's skills and capabilities in integration.

CCB 4tel is a field-proven, innovative, flexible and award-winning software solution that covers the full range of functionality needed in the telco customer fulfillment value chain. This includes customer account management, product creation and update, order management, network activation, usage rating, billing and reporting. This core set of modules function together either as a full system or in various combinations which can be customised to the exact needs of customers. The system architecture is open so that a specific module can also be integrated into an existing system, facilitating an upgrade in functionality rather than a full system replacement.

"Established telecom operators and service providers require an advanced, flexible and reliable CCB solution that can be integrated into their existing systems portfolio," said Asbjørn Eide, President, EDB 4tel. "By working together with IBM, a leading provider of solutions, and their S/390 platform, we can aid telcos in offering best-in-class customer service."

IBM S/390 is regarded as the world's most reliable and secure commercial IT platform. S/390 High-End servers are used by the worlds' largest enterprises, including premier Telecommunications Operators, for their critical environments to support core business processes. Uncompromised leadership in application availability, scalability and ability to support diverse workloads has made S/390 the solution platform of choice for industries round the world.

"We are finding that major Telco operators want to combine the reliability and scalability of the S/390 for their critical CC & B systems with modern, modular software products, " said Val Rahmani, vice president, EMEA

Communications Sector, IBM EMEA. "We are pleased to be working with EDB 4tel and look forward to providing the added value that this joint relationship will bring".

EDB 4tel have already signed a contract with Swisscom AG, the leading Swiss telecom operator, for the implementation of a part of the CCB 4tel Order Management solution. The proof of concept has already begun, with IBM as the S/390 hardware provider. Swisscom will implement the backend integration based on IBM's leading middleware MQSeries and MQSeriesIntegrator.

About EDB 4tel

EDB 4tel is one of Europe's largest companies specialising exclusively in business systems solutions for the telecoms industry, offering innovative software products as well as consultancy, implementation, integration and tailored support services within the areas of Customer Care and Billing, Customer Relationship Management and Network Management. Their business model is helping telcos create value and competitive edge, while reducing operational costs and increasing profitability.

EDB 4tel is part of EDB Business Partner ASA, one of the largest IT-group listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, and Norway's largest provider of IT-related services. Headquartered in Oslo, EDB 4tel employs over 900 telecoms professionals in offices throughout Norway, as well as in Ireland, France and the US.

About IBM

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable telecommunications service providers and equipment suppliers to take full advantage of the new era of e-business.

IBM Global Services is the world's largest information technology services provider, with 1999 revenues of more than $32 billion Services is the fastest growing part of IBM, with more than 138,000 professionals serving customers in 160 countries. IBM Global Services integrates IBM's broad range of capabilities - services, hardware, software and research - to help companies of all sizes realise the full value of information technology.

For more information:
Holger Andersson,
Communications Solutions marketing Manager, IBM
+358.9459.4941(Office)