Blue Ridge InternetWorks Secures Cisco IP Telephony Specialization.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 14, 2003

Furthering its partnership with Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), Blue Ridge InternetWorks (BRI) recently received the Cisco IP Telephony Revised Specialization. First in the Central Virginia region to receive this certification, BRI strengthens its foothold in the Internet Protocol (IP)-based market place by being authorized to design, sell, install and support Cisco IP Telphony Solutions.

BRI President Baylor Fooks said the Cisco relationship has multiple synergies for its clients. Since Cisco is the leading provider of networking for the Internet and the business world is migrating toward IP Telephony, dedicating the time and resources to achieve the specialization was a natural choice.

"IP Telephony is one of the fastest growing mainstream technology product lines," he said. "Not only does IP Telephony reduce infrastructure costs, the products simplify a company's operation by converging voice and data networks. In essence, the phone becomes part of the data network."

Additional product benefits BRI now offers its clients by securing the Cisco certification include an enabled workforce, unified email and voicemail, and simplification for adding, moving and changing phone systems.

"Cisco has validated BRI's expertise and capabilities in helping clients implement technology solutions by awarding this sought after specialization," Fooks said. "BRI assures our clients and prospects that our team has the expertise to implement the product and this achievement further separates BRI from national and smaller reseller companies."

BRI now has the capability to serve as a single vendor to its customers by providing interconnecting phone and email systems. A single solution with the capability to grow in size for a client also lowers the total cost of ownership, Fooks added.

As Cisco makes advances in the market by certifying partners, it ensures its process is handled accurately with flawless installations by selected channel companies, resulting in a stronger level of end-user customer service and a client base serving as references. Demonstrating its market leadership, Cisco announced on July 31, 2003, that it had reached a major milestone in the IP Telephony market by shipping its 2 millionth IP telephone.

Fooks added that Cisco has also invited BRI into an Advanced Technology Partnership (ATP) covering emerging Cisco IP Telephony solutions targeted to small- and medium-sized businesses and branch offices. The exclusive invitation further demonstrates Cisco's confidence in BRI as a partner.

For more information on BRI, contact Baylor Fooks at 434-817-0707, ext. 2002 or visit www.brnets.com.

About BRI:

Blue Ridge InternetWorks LLC, founded in June 2000, helps organization creatively use broadband Internet service. As one of Central Virginia's fastest growing network solution providers, BRI operates a mutli-DS3 Internet data center in its Charlottesville headquarters. By doing it right the first time, BRI has helped more than 100 clients such as PRA International, SNL Securities, Media General, Riverbend-Charlottesville apartment complex, achieve network efficiency and stability. Through its TenantSurf division, BRI provides wholesale, high speed Internet access for the multi-tenant housing industry throughout the East Coast. BRI is a Cisco Premier Certified Partner. Visit www.brnets.com for more information.