For Further Information:
Tom Hopkins
312-230-4889
thomashopkins@att.com
Mike Pruyn
312-230-4894
mpruyn@att.com
FOR RELEASE MONDAY, MAY 23, 2005
BELOIT, Wis. – AT&T today announced that it has won an $8.5 million networking contract from ABC Supply Company Inc., one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing and siding materials, tools and supplies in the United States.
AT&T will provide an Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) integrating more than 300 ABC Supply locations across the U.S. The solution will streamline processes such as credit card transactions, online product ordering and inventory management, and will allow ABC Supply to expand its online product offerings.
AT&T will also host the ABC Supply Web servers at its Chicago-area Internet Data Center (IDC), ensuring around-the-clock access to data stored there and providing business continuity capabilities. AT&T owns and operates 26 IDCs around the world.
“Providing a streamlined ordering and delivery service for our customers is a top priority at ABC Supply, and that requires a network that is reliable, secure and efficient,” said Kathy Murray, CIO of ABC Supply. “The quality and capability of the technology AT&T offered is head and shoulders above the competition.”
Through the secure AT&T BusinessDirect® portal, ABC Supply will have around-the-clock online access to real-time reports on network performance and direct connection to electronic billing and trouble management systems. AT&T BusinessDirect was recently recognized by the Yankee Group for providing customers with the strongest online support and service experience in the industry.
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About ABC Supply
ABC Supply Co., Inc. is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and siding materials, tools, and supplies in the United States. Founded in 1982, ABC Supply currently has over 300 locations in 44 states.
About AT&T
For more than 125 years, AT&T (NYSE “T”) has been known for unparalleled quality and reliability in communications. Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company is a global leader in local, long distance, Internet and transaction-based voice and data services.
