Telcordia and Accenture Team to Deliver Next-Generation Operational Support Systems (OSS) for Communications Providers Globally

Telcordia Technologies, Inc., (www.telcordia.com) and Accenture(NYSE: ACN) today announced a strategic alliance to build and deliverend-to-end operations support, network management and business supportsolutions for communications service providers globally.

Accenture has also been awarded a multi-year applicationoutsourcing contract to provide Telcordia with applicationsdevelopment support services. The agreement will leverage theflexibility and efficiency of Accenture's Global Delivery Network tohelp Telcordia advance the development of its software applications.

Under the strategic global alliance agreement, Accenture willincorporate Telcordia's OSS applications into Accenture CommunicationsSolutions, Accenture's suite of proven business offerings and assetsthat can drive high performance for communications service providers.In addition, the two companies will offer their new solutions aspreferred products to meet specific customer needs.

Through these new relationships, Accenture will bring its globaltechnology network, business process and broadband experience, andindustry-specific assets together with Telcordia's industry depth andinnovative product portfolio to help carriers address the challengesand reap the benefits of migration to next-generation IP networks withfully-integrated platforms enabling market differentiation and revenuemaximization. The two companies are working closely together tojointly develop, market and deploy solutions to enabletelecommunications companies to rationalize their infrastructures andreduce operational costs.

"Both Accenture and Telcordia have a long and proven history ofdelivering comprehensive solutions that address the convergingcommunications market," said Elisabeth Rainge, director,Next-Generation OSS and Billing, IDC. "Together the two companiesbring compelling solution and delivery capabilities with a trackrecord of success with some of the world's largest and most advancedservice providers. The breadth and depth of this relationship and theglobal delivery model for these solutions will benefit carriersworldwide as they seek to bring new services to market in ever-shortertimeframes."

"With shifting industry dynamics and the growing appetite for newservices, carriers require the superior assets and experience ofindustry leaders to offer a proven path to success," said MikeHenderson, president, Global Solutions, Telcordia. "The stakes arehigh and carriers cannot afford to take risks that could jeopardizetheir revenue stream, market share or future viability. Accenturebrings a deep understanding of the strategies and future direction ofcommunications service providers in the broadband world. Ourcomplementary strengths and solutions can help carriers stay ahead ofthe changing telecommunications market and emerge stronger than beforewith a more robust, profitable business strategy."

The new alliance is designed to give carriers worldwide distinctcompetitive advantages and new opportunities to improve theircompetitive positions by developing innovative services, streamliningtheir operations and shrinking the concept-to-cash cycle from monthsand years to days and weeks.

"Our alliance with Telcordia is in response to thetransformational affects and changes that are occurring with migrationto IP networks," said Alberto Gandini, managing partner, globalsolutions, Accenture Communications & High Technology operating group."By bringing our respective and complementary capabilities together,Accenture and Telcordia will help carriers to accelerate servicedesign and introduction, ensure seamless and automated serviceorchestration and provide the customer experience required to attractand retain customers in this rapidly evolving market."

Accenture and Telcordia already enjoy successful customer tractiontogether in the OSS space, having successfully worked together onseveral client projects. The two companies are currently teaming onmultiple engagements with communications service providers around theworld.

Under the applications outsourcing agreement, Accenture willsupport applications development for Telcordia's new and legacyproduct development. Accenture will join Telcordia's productdevelopment board and the two companies will work closely together todesign new product and service offerings for next-generationcommunications network operators. Accenture will deliver thoseservices through its Global Delivery Network, which brings togethermore than 40 delivery centers around the world with the right mix ofpeople, skills and capabilities to deliver a smooth, customer-friendlyapproach to applications development and maintenance, softwarereengineering, and business process outsourcing.

"Accenture's global application management services give us directaccess to advanced technology and project management capabilities thathave already succeeded in competitive environments like ours acrossthe globe," said Mala Chandra, executive vice president, SoftwareSystems, Telcordia.

"Companies today must be able to respond quickly to changingbusiness needs, shifting markets and increased competition, while, atthe same time, driving innovation and delivering great value to theircustomers," said Arjang Zadeh, managing partner, network service line,Accenture Communications & High Technology operating group. "Byleveraging our global delivery capabilities for applicationdevelopment, coupled with Telcordia's innovative products, together wecan drive advanced solutions that help our customers achieve theircritical business objectives."

About Accenture

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology servicesand outsourcing company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenturecollaborates with its clients to help them become high-performancebusinesses and governments. With deep industry and business processexpertise, broad global resources and a proven track record, Accenturecan mobilize the right people, skills and technologies to help clientsimprove their performance. With more than 129,000 people in 48countries, the company generated net revenues of US$15.55 billion forthe fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2005. Its home page iswww.accenture.com.

About Telcordia

Telcordia Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider oftelecommunications network software and services for IP, wireline,wireless, and cable. As the industry continuously evolves, Telcordiais focused on being the undisputed transformation partner for itscustomers. By delivering flexible, standards-based software solutionsand consulting services that optimize complex network and businesssupport systems, Telcordia helps customers transform their businesswhile aggressively reducing costs and growing revenues. Telcordia isheadquartered in Piscataway, N.J., with offices throughout the UnitedStates, Canada, Europe, Asia, Central and Latin America.(www.telcordia.com)

Telcordia is a trademark of Telcordia Technologies, Inc. Othercompanies and products mentioned herein are trademarks or registeredtrademarks of their respective trademark owners.