Level 3 Provides Advanced Voice Services and Network Infrastructure to Support Microsoft Lync Reference Architecture

BROOMFIELD, Colorado, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- New Ecosystem Eases and Speeds Implementation of Unified Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LVLT) today announced that its global portfolio of Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) Trunking solutions and infrastructure will be the underpinnings of a Microsoft Lync* network environment that allows hosted voice providers to offer Unified Communications (UC) applications to their customers.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111004/LA77008LOGO)  

Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Multitenant Pack for Partner Hosting is a unified communications hosting solution for telecom and hosting providers. It enables service providers to add an economical unified communications service offering to their existing services, and allows them to tailor the service to meet the unique needs of their customers, as well as to differentiate their offerings.

The Microsoft Lync Reference Architecture Project is a group of leading hardware, software and communications service providers that have developed an extensively scaled implementation of Microsoft Lync Server 2010.

Level 3 is the Microsoft project's SIP Trunking and infrastructure provider, bringing a number of capabilities to the hosted UC ecosystem, including Short Messaging Services (SMS) messages; local voice services covering more than 86 percent of the U.S.; E911 in North America; local telephone numbers in 27 countries and long distance calling to more than 200 countries; the ability to enable hosted Lync providers in 27 countries; and 200 data center facilities in the U.S., Europe and Latin America.

"This offering enables service providers to leverage Level 3's highly scalable network and experience with unified communications, particularly with Lync, to grow their end-user business," said Anthony Christie, chief marketing officer at Level 3. "We're making it easier for our service provider customers to provide a streamlined unified communications experience to their customer base, and Level 3's expertise will help them implement Lync projects on time and within budget."

The Lync-hosted ecosystem integrates Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft Outlook, telephony, and other communication technologies.

"Level 3's broad local coverage, extensive telecommunications portfolio and longstanding IP telephony experience contribute immeasurably to the Microsoft Lync Reference Architecture Project," said Warren Barkley, general manager for Lync at Microsoft. "Using its extensive experience enabling SIP-based hosted offerings, Level 3 is building a strong foundation for our Lync offering and helping Microsoft Lync Server 2010 enable a new generation of hosted unified communications users. Level 3 is a trusted network partner for hosters worldwide who want to create their own hosted Microsoft Lync service and help enterprise customers transform their legacy voice network environment."

The Level 3® Voice service portfolio offers interconnection and termination options delivered over Level 3's extensive and reliable voice network. With one of the world's largest next-generation networks, Level 3 has the operational control to ensure end-to-end quality management of voice traffic in 27 countries.

For more information on Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Multitenant Pack for Partner Hosting, visit http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/7325.microsoft-lync-server-2010-multitenant-pack-for-partner-hosting-resources.aspx.

For more information on Level 3's advanced network and service offerings, visit http://www.level3.com.

*All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LVLT) is a premier global provider of IP-based communications services to enterprise, content, government and wholesale customers. Over its reliable, scalable and secure network, Level 3 delivers integrated IP solutions, including converged, data, voice, video and managed solutions to help enable customers' growth and efficiency. Level 3 operates a unique global services platform anchored by owned fiber networks on three continents in more than 45 countries, connected by extensive undersea facilities. For more information, visit http://www.level3.com.

© Level 3 Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Level 3, Level 3 Communications, Level (3), Think Ahead, the Level 3 Logo and the Level 3 Think Ahead logo are either registered service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one of its Affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.  Any other service names, product names, company names or logos included herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Level 3 services are provided by subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. 

Forward-Looking Statement

Some statements made in this press release are forward-looking in nature and are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3's control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. Important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to: successfully integrate the Global Crossing acquisition or otherwise realize the anticipated benefits thereof; manage risks associated with continued uncertainty in the global economy; obtain additional financing, particularly in the event of disruptions in the financial markets; manage continued or accelerated decreases in market pricing for communications services; maintain and increase traffic on its network; develop and maintain effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; adapt to rapid technological changes that could adversely affect the company's competitiveness; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; obtain capacity for its network from other providers and interconnect its network with other networks on favorable terms; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; successfully integrate future acquisitions; effectively manage political, legal, regulatory, foreign currency and other risks it is exposed to due to its substantial international operations; mitigate its exposure to contingent liabilities; and meet all of the terms and conditions of its debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Contact Information
    
    Media:                         Investors:
    Kate Rankin                    Mark Stoutenberg
    +1-973-937-0417                +1-720-888-2518
    Kathleen.Rankin@level3.com     Mark.Stoutenberg@Level3.com