Ascend Taps Unisys for Global Service Delivery.

BLUE BELL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 1998--

Strategic relationship augments Ascend's Global Integration Services

capabilities with the Unisys portfolio of network

lifecycle support solutions

Unisys Corporation and Ascend Communications Inc., a leader in wide-area networking (WAN) and Intelligent Networking (IN) solutions for providers and users of the next generation public network, today announced a strategic relationship in which Unisys will provide on-site global service for the complete Ascend product line.

The alliance represents a significant expansion of the relationship established by Ascend and Unisys in 1996, and enables Ascend to enhance its on-site support and service capabilities by leveraging the proven Unisys global service delivery infrastructure. Through the expanded agreement, Ascend will provide its customers with round-the-clock on-site technical response in as little as two hours across the entire Ascend product line in 51 countries.

"Unisys is a known and proven provider that delivers consistent, high-quality on-site service and support globally. By aligning with Unisys' capabilities, Ascend is greatly expanding its ability to develop and deliver next generation public network lifecycle solutions our customers are deploying," said Scott Thompson, executive vice president, Global Integration Services Division, Ascend Communications.

Additionally, the Unisys cadre of certified network engineers are available to install and test Ascend WAN switching and remote access products. Unisys also will handle inventory and logistics management services -- for the consistent and timely dispatch of both field engineers and required parts worldwide.

For seamless service management from first call to closure of service requests, Ascend has opted for direct electronic access to the Unisys global service request and dispatch system.

"For Ascend customers, the network is the business," commented Steve Martin, vice president and general manager of Emerging Markets, Unisys Global Customer Services. "The worldwide, 24-by-7 service represented by this alliance enhances Ascend's position and capability to deliver rapid implementation, proactive support and fast-cycle on-site response needed to keep these networks running optimally."

The Ascend relationship is managed through the Unisys Strategic Service Partnership program. Unisys provides its Strategic Service Partners the opportunity to offer a wide range of services around the world -- without having to build or buy their own expanded service capability. The program offers electronic access to a single worldwide service call tracking, management and logistics information system as well as a robust marketing support program.

About Ascend Communications

Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASND) develops, manufactures, sells and services wide area networking solutions for telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers and corporate customers worldwide.

For more information about Ascend and its products, please send e-mail to [e-mail]. For Investor Relations, please call our communications hotline at 800-648-3059 or 760-704-4423 (outside the US & Canada). Additional investor information can also be accessed at: http://www.ascend.com/662.html.

About Unisys

Unisys (NYSE:UIS) is more than 33,000 employees helping customers in 100 countries apply information technology to solve their business problems.

Unisys solutions are based on a broad portfolio of global information services including systems integration, outsourcing, "repeatable" application solutions, consulting, network integration, remote network management, and multivendor maintenance and support, coupled with enterprise-class servers and associated middleware, software and storage.

Repeatable solutions are focused on key vertical markets including financial services, transportation, telecommunications, government, publishing and other commercial markets. Headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, in the Greater Philadelphia area, Unisys 1997 annual revenue was $6.6 billion.

Access the Unisys home page on the World Wide Web -- http://www.unisys.com -- for further information.

Unisys is a registered trademark of Unisys Corporation. All other brands and products referenced herein are acknowledged to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.