WALTHAM, Mass., January 28, 2002 - VeriTest, the testing business unit of Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LIOX) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA, NYSE: ALA), a world leader in the high-speed access and optical transport market, to develop and manage a product certification program for the Alcatel communications platforms. The VeriTest certification program will enable Alcatel partners in the Alcatel Applications Partner Program (AAPP), to have their applications independently certified for interoperability with Alcatel communication servers.
The certification program initially will be offered at VeriTest's Paris lab. Expansion into VeriTest's labs in the United States is expected as the program evolves. In addition to program development and implementation, VeriTest will provide all administrative and technical support to sustain the program.
The AAPP (www.applicationspartner.alcatel.com) enables independent software vendors and developers to expand their business opportunities by integrating their applications with Alcatel communication servers for small, medium and large-scale business solutions. Application certification is one of several AAPP membership qualification criteria.
In addition to expanded business opportunities through the AAPP, vendors will benefit from privileged access to product development tools, co-marketing opportunities, participation at Alcatel events and being listed in Alcatel's Solution Catalog. VeriTest fulfills a critical element of the partner program by providing independent verification of compatibility with Alcatel platforms and ensuring high levels of interoperability.
VeriTest is the worldwide leader in software product certification. Since 1994, VeriTest has developed programs for industry leaders such as AT&T, Microsoft, IBM, Novell, BMC Software and Stratus.
"The VeriTest certification program will help us effectively promote the Alcatel brand name, via the Alcatel Applications Partner Program," said Jérôme Soistier, Senior Vice President of Alcatel's e-Business Networking Division. "We chose VeriTest to develop and manage this essential program based on its proven success and expertise with industry-wide certification programs."
"As networking applications become increasingly complex it is imperative that organizations have complete confidence in their global interoperability and reliability. The VeriTest Alcatel certification program will drive this confidence and add tremendous value for Alcatel partners," said Rory Cowan, Lionbridge CEO.
About Alcatel
Alcatel builds next generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data networking solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With sales of EURO 27 billion in 2000 and 110,000 employees, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: www.alcatel.com.
About VeriTest Services from Lionbridge
VeriTest is the testing arm of Lionbridge Technologies, a provider of solutions for worldwide deployment of technology and content. VeriTest certifies information technology for global e-business through definitive, real-world testing. Since 1987, VeriTest has been helping the microcomputer industry build and ship thousands of quality products, from CPU chips to network management software. In January 1999, VeriTest and Lionbridge Technologies combined to create the world's first independent global network for outsourced product testing and compliance programs. The combination provides IT companies with a single global partner for outsourcing specialized technical services associated with global product releases, including software localization, quality testing, and logo certification. To learn more, visit www.veritest.com.