Alcatel acquires Right Vision to deliver 'all-in-one' IT and communications solutions to SMBs
<p>Paris, November 19, 2004 - Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced its intention to acquire privately held Right Vision, a leading European provider of software-based internet appliances that provide internet access, email and Web applications, as well as security and simplified management capabilities.</p>
<p>The acquisition of Right Vision supports Alcatel's vision for delivering converged Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions that bring together IT and communications in "all-in-one" packages.</p>
<p>Alcatel will target small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with these solutions, integrating voice, data and Internet functionalities into a single offering.</p>
<p>Founded in 1999, Right Vision is based in Sophia-Antipolis, France. Right Vision has established a leadership position in the SMB market in Europe, offering pure software solutions that run on industry standard server platforms, as well as packaged offerings that include standard hardware and software with support for both Microsoft and Linux environments.</p>
<p>The company currently serves more than 5,000 SMB customers through indirect channels that include Hewlett Packard, NEC and ACER. Right Vision also has developed partnerships with leading service providers, including France Telecom, British Telecom, and Belgacom. Right Vision currently has 42 employees. The deal is expected to close in December.</p>
<p>"The acquisition of Right Vision reinforces our advance in converged ICT solutions for SMBs, leveraging partnerships with IT vendors and service providers for a true 'all-in-one' Managed Communications Solution strategy," said Jean-Christophe Giroux, president of Alcatel's Enterprise Solutions activities.</p>
<p>"The addition of Right Vision's innovative solutions and talented people further strengthens our ability to deliver easy-to-use, easy-to-manage solutions to SMBs."</p>
<p>"Alcatel shares our vision that the future of communications and IT for SMBs will be delivered through 'all-in-one' solutions that bring together a wide range of services for both voice communications, including IP telephony, and data services," said Alexandre Krivine, founder and chairman, Right Vision.</p>
<p>"Leveraging Alcatel's leadership in the SMB market, along with its strong presence with service providers and brand recognition, we are positioned to take a giant leap forward in delivering our unique solutions to the market."</p>
<p>Following a successful partnership with Right Vision that was announced in September of 2003, Alcatel is integrating Right Vision's solutions with its Alcatel OmniPCX Office communications server.</p>
<p>Alcatel plans to deliver its first SMB offering that includes Right Vision in the first quarter of 2005. Further integration with the Alcatel OmniPCX Office range is planned for 2005 and beyond.</p>
<p>Alcatel will distribute these new solutions with resellers, as well as service provider partners that can leverage this offering to deliver managed communication services. In addition, Right Vision will help Alcatel better serve IT channels in their willingness to move to a broader solution set that includes voice communications.</p>
<p>About Right Vision:
Right Vision's business is designing and producing multi-functionnal Internet Server Appliances made-to-measure for Sohos, SMEs-SMBs and large accounts with branch offices. The Right Vision Eye-Box products are all pre-configured and easy to use, providing users with instant access to the Internet services they need. At the same time, Right Vision offers software suites or "Software Appliances" that enables any integrator or IT manufacturer to build their own "Ready-to-use" Appliance. Open on the European market since its founding in October 1999, Right Vision is today the European Leader for Multi-function Internet Server Appliances (Source IDC Q42003). Present in many countries: Italy, Spain, United-Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, Lebanon, and Morocco, Right Vision provides solutions that comply with specific local technical and language regulations. Right Vision corporate headquarters are located in Sophia-Antipolis (France).</p>
<p>About Alcatel:
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.5 billion in 2003, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.</p>
<p>Press Contacts
Anna Perrin Ph: (02) 8306 5575 anna.perrin@alcatel.com.au
Gwen John Ph: (02) 9810 1367 gwen.john@somethinginventive.com.au</p>