AT&T, Clifton Gunderson Sign $3.7M Networking Agreement

August 11, 2005; 06:39 AM

PEORIA, Ill. – AT&T today announced it has won a $3.7 million, three-year networking contract from Clifton Gunderson LLP, the 12th largest CPA and consulting firm in the nation.

AT&T will provide an Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) integrating some 42 Clifton Gunderson offices in 14 states and Washington, D.C. The network, which supports Clifton Gunderson’s day-to-day operations, runs on AT&T’s industry-leading Multi-Protocol Labeling Switching (MPLS) platform. It provides a significant increase in bandwidth at a lower cost, disaster recovery capabilities and a migration path to Voice over IP (VoIP) services.

The VPN will enable Clifton Gunderson’s personnel to access critical corporate databases and proprietary applications, e-mail and collaborate in real time over a secure, high-speed network.

In addition, AT&T will host Clifton Gunderson’s 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 operates 26 IDCs around the world. 

“AT&T’s MPLS-based technology and hosting capabilities were the driving factors in selecting this networking solution,” said Jeff Hapeman, Chief Technology Officer for Clifton Gunderson. “AT&T’s solution met all of our requirements for business continuity, disaster recovery, cost containment and high-speed, uninterrupted network performance. AT&T is uniquely qualified to deliver a high-performance network that’s safe and secure, offering us top-notch communications capabilities and peace of mind.” 

Through the secure AT&T BusinessDirect® portal, Clifton Gunderson 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.

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.

About Clifton Gunderson
Clifton Gunderson LLP is the 12th largest CPA and consulting firm in the nation. Since 1960, Clifton Gunderson has been providing clients with a variety of services ranging from traditional auditing and accounting services to governmental services, tax and financial planning, technology consulting, business valuation, forensic services and employee benefit services, as well as specialized services for specific business sectors. Clifton Gunderson Financial Services, a subsidiary of Clifton Gunderson LLP, provides clients with financial planning, insurance and employee benefit services. Technology consulting services are provided by Clifton Gunderson Technology Solutions. Clifton Gunderson and its affiliates have offices in 14 states and Washington, DC.