Graybar Plugs in to AT&T Technology

August 10, 2005; 10:13 AM

August 10, 2005 - ST. LOUIS – AT&T announced today that it has won a $7.5 million networking contract with St. Louis-based Graybar, a leader in the distribution of high-quality electrical, telecommunications and networking products, and an expert provider of related supply chain management and logistic services. The three-year contract expands a longstanding relationship between the two companies. 

AT&T will deploy an Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) integrating more than 250 Graybar distribution facilities across the United States. AT&T also will provide domestic and international toll-free services, enabling Graybar to deliver solutions more quickly and efficiently to its customers.

The VPN serves as a foundation for Graybar’s evolution to a converged multi-service networking platform, enabling deployment of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other converged services in the future. Based on Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology, the VPN enables Graybar to integrate its legacy network into a single, seamless IP-based network.

"Graybar's leading-edge information technology and logistics capabilities are raising the bar on performance and value for our customers," said Steven Becker, Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Graybar. "As we design and implement our next-generation data network, we will use AT&T's newest technologies, such as MPLS, to work to the advantage of our customers and suppliers. With this agreement, we are pleased to extend our long-term strategic relationship with AT&T."

Graybar uses the AT&T BusinessDirect® Web portal for all-electronic interactions, saving time and money. The secure portal gives Graybar online access to tools that provide real-time reports on network performance and direct access to AT&T's ordering, status, inventory 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.

About Graybar
Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high-quality electrical, telecommunications and networking products, and an expert provider of related supply chain management and logistics services.  Through its network of more than 250 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, serving as the vital link to hundreds of thousands of customers.  For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR.

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.