Callisma Achieves IP Telephony Services Specialization From Cisco Systems; Qualification Validates Callisma's Expertise Across IP Telephony Technologies.

Business/Technology Editors

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 2002

Callisma, the premier provider of network infrastructure solutions, today announced the achievement of the IP Telephony Services Specialization designation from Cisco Systems, Inc. This specialization recognizes Callisma as a professional services partner with the advanced expertise to deploy complex, large-scale IP telephony solutions.

"The adoption rate for IP telephony amongst major enterprises is rapidly growing as businesses increasingly recognize the compelling business justification. Callisma's extensive experience in providing business analytics helps enterprises uncover these business drivers that include new business applications, increased effectiveness in disaster recovery and reduced operational costs," according to Gail Holmen, chief marketing officer at Callisma.

The achievement of this specialization reflects Callisma's depth and breadth of proven expertise that has been validated by Cisco's rigorous qualification process. "IP Telephony continues to rapidly evolve into a mainstream business solution, it is being deployed in much larger, complex environments that require more in-depth expertise as well as professional services capabilities," said Surinder Brar, senior director of Worldwide Channels Marketing for Cisco Systems. "Our IP Telephony Services Specialization recognizes companies, like Callisma that have developed advanced services practices to capitalize on this new growth opportunity."

To achieve the IP Telephony Services and Technology Specializations, Callisma met or exceeded the personnel, proven experience, customer satisfaction and lab requirements outlined by Cisco.

Callisma offers three IP telephony related services: (1) Business Analysis; (2) Plan, Design and Implementation; and (3) Operations Management. The Business Analysis service helps organizations determine IP telephony suitability and justification that quantifies return on investment (ROI) and/or total cost of ownership (TCO). The Plan, Design and Implement service ensures that a high utility IP telephony implementation is put in place that avoids revenue or productivity impacting voice service disruption. The operations management service helps organizations determine and implement the best way to support IP telephony once in place via integrating management into existing network operations, implementing a new IP telephony management platform or with intelligent out-tasking and vendor selection. "This comprehensive scope, particularly with an eye towards effective assimilation of the new technology and on-going operational support, are Callisma's differentiators in the marketplace," according to Matthew Stoen, Callisma's national practice director for Convergence.

Callisma has been providing IP telephony solutions to major corporations for over two years. The projects include such diverse client environments as a Fortune 100 financial brokerage, a leading nationwide grocery retailer, and a major healthcare provider. Highly satisfied clients are a key part of Cisco's stringent requirements for specialization and Callisma's references proved a strong factor, with all clients participating in the IP telephony Cisco customer satisfaction survey responding with perfect scores of 5.0.

More details about Callisma's IP telephony and other services can be reviewed at http://www.callisma.com.

About Callisma

Callisma is setting a new standard for network consulting, helping today's major corporations design and deploy networks that deliver strategic business value. By providing clients with a broad base of technology solutions, a flexible, results-oriented engagement style and the highest quality documentation and communication, Callisma executes -- on-time and on-budget. Callisma's solution areas include Storage Networking, Operations Management, Security, Convergence, Internetworking, Advanced Transport, and Project Management. Callisma is headquartered in Silicon Valley and has offices located throughout the United States. For more information, visit the Callisma website at http://www.callisma.com or call 888.805.7075.