Paris, Jan. 27, 2009

 

 

The report defines “leaders” as vendors who ”have a full portfolio of voice and data products, coupled with above-average service and support, wide global coverage and competitive pricing. They have a strong vision that includes adopting more information and communication technology (ICT) capabilities, which they articulate clearly and openly.”

 

Barbara Dalibard, executive vice president, Orange Business Services, said: “We are delighted to be positioned in the Leaders quadrant in Gartner’s Global Magic Quadrant. We consider this recognition confirmation of our recent recognition at the World Communication Awards where we won ‘Best Global Operator’ for the third consecutive year. We believe this placement is based in part on Orange Business Services having the broadest network coverage of any provider and on our ability to deliver innovative services that enable our enterprise customers to find new and creative ways to increase productivity and reduce costs.”

 

Orange Business Services was evaluated on its “ability to execute” and “completeness of vision,” which reflect the following specific criteria:

- Ability to Execute. Product/Service, Overall Viability (Business Unit, Financial, Strategy, Organization), Sales Execution/Pricing, Market Responsiveness and Track Record, Marketing Execution, Customer Experience, and Operations.

- Completeness of Vision. Market Understanding, Marketing Strategy, Sales Strategy, and Offering (Product) Strategy.

 

This evaluation comes shortly after Orange reported solid third quarter financial results. The North American market is one of the top priorities within Orange Business Services' global strategy. Focused on innovative solutions – with two U.S.-based R&D labs – we are committed to developing specific solutions for the North American market that both support sustainable development initiatives and help our clients be more effective in these lean times. 

 

 

Orange is the key brand of France Telecom, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators. France Telecom serves more than 177 million customers in five continents as of September 30, 2008, of which two-thirds are Orange customers. The Group had consolidated sales of 52.9 billion euros in 2007 and 39.9 billion euros for the nine first months of 2008. As of September 30, 2008, the Group had 117.6 million mobile customers and 12.4 million broadband Internet (ADSL) customers.

 

Launched in June 2005, the NExT program (New Experience in Telecommunications) will enable the Group to pursue its transformation as an integrated operator and make France Telecom the benchmark for new telecommunications services in Europe. In 2006, Orange became the Group's single brand for Internet, television and mobile services in the majority of countries where the company operates, and Orange Business Services the banner for services offered to businesses worldwide. France Telecom is the number three mobile operator and the number one provider of broadband Internet services in Europe and one of the world leaders in providing telecommunication services to multinational companies.

 

France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris (compartiment A) and on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited, Orange France or France Telecom.

 

¹ Magic Quadrant for Global Network Service Providers, 2008, Neil Rickard, Eric Paulak, Jan. 26, 2009.