2006

Atlanta, Dec. 4, 2006

Orange Business Services today announced a new three-year contract with automated manufacturing system provider Gerber Scientific to optimize its entire global communications network.

Gerber Scientific is upgrading its IP VPN from silver to platinum quality of service (QoS) to support its critical business applications and to lay the groundwork for integrating VoIP throughout the enterprise. Platinum QoS from Orange Business Services will enable Gerber Scientific to run voice, data and video over a single network, while also allocating bandwidth capacity to multiple applications, when needed. The network connects 28 sites, including locations in North America, Europe, Mexico and China.

In previous years Gerber Scientific was relying on its IP VPN to power mission-critical enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications from SAP. However, as business and software sophistication grew, the company saw a need to update its SAP applications, which required a significant boost in bandwidth capacity. Platinum level service guarantees prioritization of data traffic so that ERP applications never falter or impact how Gerber Scientific services its customers. The network will benefit productivity in other areas by facilitating VoIP and eventually IP video conferencing to reduce operating expenses and travel demands among its global sites.

"Platinum QoS from Orange Business Services was a vital step for us broadening our global ERP operation," said Brian Borbas, executive director of Infrastructure Technology, Gerber Scientific. "Our network is not a stagnant highway; it is something we can shape and mold to give us an optimum level of performance when we need it. Orange Business Services has put us in the driver’s seat of our own IT expansion."

“Since 2000, Gerber Scientific has been one of our pioneering customers in the field of IP VPN service,” said Mack Treece, president of the Americas, Orange Business Services. “We are proud to take the next step with Gerber Scientific as it begins to embrace a converged network platform. Their continued work with us exemplifies the kind of commitment and care multinational companies can expect from Orange Business Services.”

About Gerber Scientific

Gerber Scientific, Inc. (www.gerberscientific.com) is a leading international supplier of sophisticated automated manufacturing systems for sign making and specialty graphics, apparel and flexible materials, and ophthalmic lens processing. Headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut, the company operates through four businesses: Gerber Scientific Products and Spandex Ltd., Gerber Technology, and Gerber Coburn.

About Orange Business Services

Orange Business Services represents the business communications solutions and services provided by the France Telecom Group as of June 1st, 2006. They were previously sold under the France Telecom, Orange, Equant, Etrali, Almerys, EGT, Expertel Consulting, France Telecom Intelmatique, SETIB and Solicia brands.

The offers include converged voice, data and mobile services as well as IT expertise and managed services, all designed to transform business processes and improve productivity. Orange Business Services is present in 166 countries and territories and serves customers in 220.