Equant's Seamless Data Network Services Selected by Microsoft in High Capacity ATM Data Service Agreement.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 1999--

Agreement delivers high bandwidth linking Microsoft

locations in the United Kingdom, South Africa and the Middle

East

Equant, the world's leading provider of seamless international data network services to multinational businesses, today announced a one-year agreement with Microsoft to provide fully managed Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and frame relay data communication services between Microsoft locations in the United Kingdom, South Africa and the Middle East.

"Microsoft runs its business using this network, from our enterprise resource planning (ERP) to electronic mail and other core business applications," said Arne Josefsberg, General Manager in the Information Technology Group (ITG) at Microsoft. "The new bandwidth and functionality provided by Equant's ATM service will help drive continued international growth throughout these regions."

Microsoft is using Equant's global ATM solution, launched in 42 countries in May, which is designed for businesses requiring seamless and reliable communications that operate in-country and across national borders and time zones. By the end of the year, pending regulatory approval, Equant hopes to provide the service in a total of 54 countries. Equant's global ATM solution enables multinational businesses to use a superior global network to, where authorized, converge voice, video and data at higher speeds in more countries than was previously offered by any single company on one network.

"Microsoft provides a clear example of how multinational companies are quickly moving to globally managed, high-speed ATM services, today, to deliver on high bandwidth requirements," said Doug Gilstrap, chief operating officer for Equant's network services division. "This allows companies like Microsoft to concentrate their resources on servicing customers--rather than focusing on network provisioning and management."

Since 1996, Equant has provided ITG with high capacity frame relay service and data center facilities development and management. Equant provides frame relay services to Microsoft locations throughout Europe, and assisted with the development of the data center facilities at Microsoft's regional headquarters in Munich.

Equant will provide Microsoft with ATM and frame relay links between Microsoft locations in the United Kingdom, South Africa and the Middle East. ATM service will initially be at speeds up to 3 Mbps peak cell rate (PCR) and will be implemented by Q4 1999.

About Equant

Equant (NYSE: ENT; Paris Bourse, EQU) operates the world's largest data network in terms of geographic coverage, which extends to key business centers in over 220 countries and territories. Using its network, Equant has established itself as a leading provider of managed data network services, end-to-end, for multinational businesses worldwide - including over 20 percent of the Global 1000. Equant also provides network design and implementation services; equipment installation; maintenance and support services; and Internet software development. See www.equant.com for more information.