AT&T GLOBAL INFORMATION SOLUTIONS UNVEILS VIRTUAL WORKPLACE(TM) PROGRAM; Innovative, Comprehensive Support Services and Certified Partnerships Combine To Create a Complete Mobile Computing Solution.

DAYTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 6, 1995--For the more than 60 million people who work outside the traditional office environment, AT&T Global Information Solutions today announced the AT&T Virtual Workplace(TM), a program of pre-tested and approved computer products and communications services for field and sales force automation.

With a single phone call to an AT&T Virtual Workplace authorized reseller, a customer can order all the components and support services needed to create an integrated time- and location- independent work environment.

"Simply by dialing 1 [phone], the customer can now easily assemble all the products and services necessary to build a fully-functioning mobile workplace," said Rob Howe, vice president of worldwide PC Marketing for AT&T Global Information Solutions. "To automate a sales and field force, AT&T GIS provides a single point of contact to help corporations implement a full solution. This sales force automation helps the corporation deliver better customer service, with the salesperson spending more quality time with their customers."

In addition, Howe commented that with AT&T Virtual Workplace solutions, companies can reduce overhead costs by more effectively using office space.

The AT&T Virtual Workplace program is the first that brings together computing solutions, communications, network services, application software and supports services for any size field force automation project in one integrated package.

"Only one company -- AT&T -- is able to put this combination of technology, communications services and support into one package," said Howe. "Designed around and field-tested with AT&T's own sales force, Virtual Workplace solutions allow people to get, move and use critical information quickly and easily -- whether it's located on someone's distant notebook, desktop PC or an enterprise-wide server. We know it works for us and we know the Virtual Workplace can work for our customers."

Reseller Partners

The Virtual Workplace Solution Program leverages AT&T GIS' experience with the indirect, reseller channel. Under the program, reseller partners are approved to sell and market AT&T's Virtual Workplace solution after meeting extensive eligibility requirements.

"This is a superior program for channel partners to provide corporate customers with a complete solution to automate their sales and field force," said Curt Fisher, vice president, Worldwide Partnership Marketing, AT&T Global Information Solutions. "As the single point of contact, approved resellers, such as MicroAge and Inacom, create a team that can consist of AT&T GIS, other AT&T business units such as AT&T Business Communications Services (for communication services) and software partners to design the total Virtual Workplace solution. As qualified experts in the Virtual Workplace, approved resellers not only deliver the hardware and services but provide pre- and post-sales support to their customers."

A primary benefit for resellers participating in the program is the assured operation of approved hardware, software and service components. Additional reseller benefits include qualified pre- and post-sales support, sales incentives based on registered users, pre-qualified lead referral, educational programs and authorized logo usage.

Computing And Communications Platforms

The Virtual Workplace program consists of five tiers. From Tier One of the Virtual Workplace framework, Computing Platforms, customers can select from AT&T GIS' family of notebook computers that includes the Globalyst 130, Globalyst 200, and Globalyst 250 to start building their field force automation platform.

Application servers and associated mobile accessories, such as printers, PCMCIA hard drives and portable CD-ROM players, can also be integrated, allowing mobile workers access to all the benefits of their office-based desktop systems.

Tier Two, Communications Platforms, includes products and peripherals that connect the user's computing platform to their communications services. PCMCIA data/fax modems such as AT&T Paradyne's Keep In Touch(TM) modem, LAN cards, pagers, AT&T cellular phones and data cables are all part of this solution, giving users live, interactive contact with their customers and companies.

Communications Services

Corporate customers that select the Virtual Workplace's third tier, Communications Services, for their sales and field force automation program can benefit from AT&T's worldwide intelligent network that supports both voice and data applications.

"It's important to be just as connected on the road as you are in the traditional office," said Howe. "With the Virtual Workplace's Communications Services, users have access to E-mail and other remote networks, increasing productivity and allowing for better decision-making. Just because you're out of the office doesn't mean you have to sacrifice being `in the loop'."

The AT&T Communications Services include:

o Inbound communications services -- such as an 800 number, allowing toll-free access to business and information services, and the 500 number, which lets users be rung up from multiple work locations. This is ideal for remote and mobile workers who often need to be contacted at different locations throughout the day.

o Wired and wireless access to outbound services. These services include teleconferencing, remote access to voice mail, and authorization and billing codes that provide control. AT&T's Software Defined Network (SDN) is an example of a corporate network incorporating these features.

o Electronic messaging services, such as AT&T EasyLink, NetWare Connect and Network Notes. AT&T EasyLink services provide a global messaging network supporting electronic mail, fax solutions, information services, telex and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). With NetWare, users can connect easily to a multitude of services, information sources and applications while maintaining a high degree of security. Network Notes lets users access integrated applications, share ideas and information and streamline processes, making workers more efficient.

o Wireless access (via national and regional cellular service providers) gives the sales and field force immediate access to corporate networks.

Client/Server Software Applications

Within Tier Four of the Virtual Workplace, AT&T's approved software solutions partners provide mobile client/server automation applications that help mobile customers better access and exchange information with headquarters and customers. These include:

o MobileSync(TM) from Adaptive Strategies, an environment for mobile professionals to access and exchange information with corporate headquarters and customers through an easy "one button" interface.

o RemoteWare(R) from XcelleNet(R), a suite of client/server system development tools used to automate time-sensitive information delivery processes such as order entry, inventory query, and price list and product catalog updates.

o TakeControl(TM) from Brock Control Systems, Inc., a series of six software modules that automates a company's complete sales cycle, seamlessly closing the loop from lead generation to after-sale support.

Support Services

Tier Five offers a selection of services that help corporations easily support the sales or field force while on the road.

One service, the Virtual Workplace Premium Help Desk, a 24-hour, seven-day toll-free hotline to handle service issues for all components, provides the primary interface between the user and a customer's various support options. Trained consultants, with knowledge extending across all the approved products within the five-tier framework, provide experienced assistance to a variety of customers each day.

Users who have purchased products and services in tiers one through four from approved Virtual Workplace partners are eligible to receive the first year of toll-free Premium Help Desk support at no charge. Second year Premium Help Desk support is available for purchase from approved Virtual Workplace reseller partners.

All registered users of the Virtual Workplace receive the Remote Rescue diskette, that helps facilitate on-line troubleshooting and problem isolation. It allows Help Desk consultants to easily and efficiently automate the repair of mobile systems, enabling rapid resolution of problems for end users who do not have the expertise, patience or time to be "talked through" over the phone. In the event of a hard drive failure, field users can use the Remote Rescue disk to boot the notebook.

"When you're on the road or with a client, you don't have time to go through lengthy over-the-phone procedures, or deal with working through a hotel switchboard for an incoming technical support call," said Howe. "With the industry's first comprehensive support program, the Virtual Workplace, you can quickly resolve system problems from notebook to network with a minimum of effort, no matter where you are."

Additional support services are available through the Virtual Workplace program, including:

o MobileCare Express, a custom program allowing end users to exchange their non-working mobile systems for a repaired one, usually within 24 hours;

o Emergency Care, in which non-working systems are repaired by Virtual Workplace Assistance Center technicians and returned via premium courier within 24 hours of receipt;

o Service Center Depot, for service problems in which timeliness is not an issue. Units are repaired and returned using standard delivery procedures.

AT&T Virtual Workplace will also offer customized help desk services to help corporations support their mobile force. These services can include personalized call answering and customer developed application support.

The AT&T Virtual Workplace solutions are available now in the U.S. from approved Virtual Workplace partners. Prices for complete Virtual Workplace solutions vary on the size and scope of a company's sales and field force automation project. For more information on the Virtual Workplace solution, customers can call [phone].

The leader in delivering personal computing and communications (PC&C) solutions, AT&T Global Information Solutions is now ranked as one of the top ten PC manufacturers according to International Data Corporation (IDC). IDC also reports that AT&T GIS grew its PC shipments in 1994 by more than 80% -- over three times as fast as the PC industry.

At AT&T Global Information Solutions, we help our customers better understand and serve their customers by more effectively getting, moving and using information.

CONTACT: Kate Bochonko

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