Paris, July 28, 2009

 

Orange Business Services has migrated a major part of the electronics and electrical engineering firm Siemens’ WAN to a modern, converged Orange network in just 11 months. The new converged network enables better support for modern business processes and future demands.

 

In the context of the contract, Orange established a joint project team and adapted processes to allow a very fast and smooth migration. The project was implemented in adherence to all specifications.

 

“We were looking for a reliable provider for our business-critical communications infrastructure that can master international projects and assume a pioneering role in terms of technology, just like we do.” said Norbert Kleinjohann, CIO of Siemens AG.

 

The complexity of the WAN was simplified, thanks to standardizing the technologies and solutions involved. A carefully thought-out network design and single-provider coverage of several sites reduced ongoing operating and management costs. The Orange Business VPN solution for Siemens complies with strict security, compliance and quality of service standards. It is more flexible and agile than the previous multi-vendor network and offers DSL and Ethernet technology, depending on each site’s particular requirement. Orange Business Services offers a dedicated single point of contact service desk coupled with Orange’s presence in 166 countries to ensure optimum management.

 

“The tough demands on the WAN migration project on a global scale were a perfect match to Orange Business Services’ capabilities,” said Dr. Helmut Reisinger, senior vice president for Europe at Orange Business Services. “The combination of an innovative solution approach, highly focused and professional global and local project teams on both sides and the joint drive with Siemens for the utmost standardization have created a perfect momentum to deliver this solution. We are very proud of what we could jointly deliver with our customer.”

 

Orange is the key brand of France Telecom, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators. With 123 million customers, the Orange brand now covers Internet, television and mobile services in the majority of countries where the Group operates. At the end of 2008, France Telecom had consolidated sales of 53.5 billion euros (12.7 billion euros for the first quarter of 2009) and at 31 March 2009, the Group had a customer base of almost 184 million customers in 32 countries. These include 123 million mobile customers worldwide and 13 million broadband Internet (ADSL) customers in Europe. Orange is the number three mobile operator and the number one provider of broadband Internet services in Europe and, under the brand Orange Business Services, is one of the world leaders in providing telecommunication services to multinational companies.

 

The Group's strategy, which is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, convergence and effective cost management, aims to establish Orange as an integrated operator and benchmark for new telecommunications services in Europe. Today the Group remains focused on its core activities as a network operator, while working to develop its position in new growth activities. To meet customer expectations, the Group strives to provide products and services that are simple and user-friendly, while maintaining a sustainable and responsible business model that can be adapted to the requirements of a fast-paced and changing eco-system.

 

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