AT&T'S New API Platform Helps Speed Cycle Times And Gives More Control To Resellers

DALLAS, Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Just 19 months after launching the AT&T Partner Exchange^SM reseller program, AT&T* is delivering a new open Application Programming Interface (API) platform that enables solution providers in the program to customize the quoting and ordering experience for their sales teams and business customers. AT&T will also be making the platform available for third parties to connect and create applications and value-added services to support AT&T's expanding roster of solution providers in the program. The platform is also being made available to AT&T's other indirect channels.

Recognizing that APIs are a fundamental part of how AT&T is changing the way it does business, AT&T developed the platform in response to solution providers' requests for faster installations and more control of the experience. AT&T's API platform does just that by putting the power of the technology into their hands. 

The APIs enable them to provide quotes to their customers for select AT&T products nationwide in seconds, and orders have flowed to field engineers within minutes of being submitted.

"This is groundbreaking. We're completely reinventing how we deliver services by opening up APIs. All stages of the sales cycle are being API-enabled, which can significantly reduce cycle times," said Brooks McCorcle, president, Emerging Business Markets, AT&T Services Inc. "This wouldn't have been possible without our collaborative and agile culture that's been empowered to do things differently," said McCorcle.  

Virtual private networking, managed Internet services and Ethernet services are all part of the platform with additional services being prioritized.

Potential benefits of the platform for solution providers include:

• Cycle Times – Accelerate service delivery through streamlined processes.
• User Experience – Embed processes into existing tools helping speed up adoption.
• Speed – Confirm addresses and get quotes in seconds.
• Accuracy – Reduce errors and rework through automation. 

AT&T is currently developing additional functionality that will enable solution providers to monitor provisioning to proactively manage customer installations, customize the billing experience and manage trouble tickets.

Since January, AT&T has collaborated on API best practices with AireSpring, a nationwide provider of Cloud communications services and data solutions focused on multi-location enterprises. "AT&T's continued investment in its API platform has dramatically accelerated the time it takes for us to go from quoting a service to turn-up. The reduced time to install gives us a competitive advantage, and since connecting with AT&T's APIs, our sales of their services have more than doubled," said Avi Lonstein, CEO of AireSpring.

Ecosystem of Innovation Creates More Opportunities
Resellers can currently connect directly to the API platform on a trial basis to develop applications and a customized experience. Solution providers will also be able to realize many of the API benefits by accessing the AT&T Partner Exchange portal, which uses the APIs and has a guided user experience.

The platform will also open doors for third parties to create a rich ecosystem of value-added services to support solution providers. Not only can solution providers use AT&T's API platform to realize improved installation times and more control of the experience, but they will also gain access to third parties that can innovate on the platform.

Resellers and third parties can learn more about AT&T's API platform by visiting https://www.att.com/partnerexchange/apis/index.html

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best global wireless coverage, based on offering roaming in more countries than any other U.S. based carrier, and offers the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse^® brand. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

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Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.