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CENTRINITY'S FIRSTCLASS SELECTED AS NEXT GENERATION COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM FOR TDS TELECOM
Telecommunications leader plans to team with Centrinity to offer Unified Communications to U.S.-based customers
RICHMOND HILL, ON, CANADA and MADISON, WISCONSIN - January 16, 2002 - Centrinity Inc. (TSE: CTI) and TDS Telecommunications Corporation ("TDS TELECOM"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (AMEX: TDS), today announced that they have signed a letter of intent to enter into a definitive agreement to offer Centrinity's FirstClass Unified Communications solution to TDS TELECOM customers. TDS TELECOM, a leading telecommunications provider in the United States, plans to expand and enhance its messaging product offerings through the FirstClass Unified Communications solution.
"TDS TELECOM is delighted to partner with Centrinity," said James Barr III, President and CEO, TDS TELECOM. "We are confident that FirstClass will enable TDS TELECOM to offer a range of products and services that will help our customers improve communications and simplify their lives."
After an extensive review of Unified Communication vendors in North America, TDS TELECOM selected Centrinity's FirstClass Unified Communications solution because of its rich feature set and ability to provide carrier-class performance, reliability and scalability.
"We look forward to working closely with TDS TELECOM to ensure a smooth implementation of the FirstClass Unified Communications solution," said Myles McGovern, president and CEO, Centrinity Inc. "The FirstClass platform allows service providers, such as TDS TELECOM, to offer a full spectrum of services, from basic voice mail and web mail to advanced Unified Communications. This in turn provides TDS TELECOM with an excellent opportunity to expand its product portfolio to help gain marketshare and increase revenues."
About TDS TELECOM:
TDS TELECOM, is a growing national company, bringing high quality, locally based telecommunications services to 900 rural and suburban communities across the U.S. Headquartered in Madison, Wis., the company, along with its subsidiaries TDS METROCOM and USLink, served over 820,000 access lines and 125,000 Internet service accounts, as of September 30, 2001. TDS TELECOM can be accessed through the Internet at www.tdstelecom.com.
TDS TELECOM is part of the Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) family of companies. Founded in 1969, TDS provides telecommunication services through its strategic business units, U.S. Cellular (AMEX:USM) and TDS TELECOM. TDS primarily provides wireless, local telephone and Internet services for residential and business customers. TDS currently employs 9,200 people and serves over 4.2 million customers in 34 states.
About FirstClass Communications Platform
At the foundation of the FirstClass Communications Platform is Centrinity's Collaborative Groupware which provides users with the ability to effectively communicate and share valuable resources through email, conferencing, directories, calendaring and online chats. In September 2000, Centrinity introduced its FirstClass Unified Communications technology to its FirstClass Communications Platform. It seamlessly converges email, voice mail and fax messages into one unified mailbox enabling users to access all of their data and messages via the device of their choice including cell phone, telephone, computer and handheld devices - anytime, anywhere.
About Centrinity Inc.
Centrinity is a leading provider of Unified Communications and Collaborative Groupware software solutions to service providers, enterprises and learning organizations. Our award-winning software solutions are designed to enhance productivity and efficiency by simplifying and facilitating the management of communications and information among individuals and groups. Centrinity is listed under the symbol 'CTI' on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Website: www.centrinity.com.
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For more information please contact:
DeAnne Boegli
TDS TELECOM
Manager, Communications
Tel: 608.664.4428
Email: deanne.boegli@tdstelecom.com
Margaret Williamson
Centrinity Inc.
Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: 905.762.6234
This news release may include statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. The company cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond its control. Future events and results may vary substantially from what the company currently foresees.
FirstClass is a registered trademark of a Centrinity Inc. subsidiary used under license. Centrinity and the Centrinity logo are trademarks of Centrinity Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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