GEA Group Selects AT&T for Security in the Cloud

FRANKFURT, Germany, Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, one of the largest system providers for food and energy processes globally, has signed an agreement with AT&T* for cloud-based security services to improve infrastructure security. AT&T has provided GEA's global network infrastructure since 2004, connecting 450 GEA branch offices in 50 countries via a Broadband VPN (Virtual Private Network).

As part of the new agreement, AT&T will provide remote access for more than 13,000 users, managed security services and managed hosting services globally. One of GEA's key requirements was to improve security of their global Wide Area Networks. The managed hosting and security services are designed to provide a cost-effective solution which is scalable and flexible to match the business growth requirements of GEA Group. AT&T will provide managed security services to the company in the network cloud and via its "super" Internet Data Centre in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

AT&T has laid the foundation for GEA's secure next generation network which is designed to integrate voice, video and data communications as well as to enhance unified communications. A standardized and globally consistent network platform is integral to unify the different business applications such as ERP or e-mail, to build a group-wide corporate directory, increase efficiency across the GEA organization, to continuously improve the technology of their existing IT environment and to increase its efficiency.

"Over the past six years, AT&T has repeatedly demonstrated that they fully understand our requirements for seamless communications across our global network," explains Rolf Parschau, CIO of GEA Group. "This is why we have not only extended our existing contract but will also now be making use of AT&T's managed security services."

Joachim Kathmann, managing director of AT&T Germany, adds: "To make the global network perform to a higher security standard, we are now ready for GEA Security Services in our data centers in Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Singapore and Los Angeles. Backed by our extensive global coverage, we are well positioned to optimally satisfy the requirements of GEA."

*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 GEA Group

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft is one of the largest system providers for food and energy processes with about EUR 4.4 billion in 2009 revenue. As an internationally operating technology group, the company focuses on process technology and components for demanding production processes in various end markets. The group gains about 70 percent of its revenue in the long-term growing food and energy industries. The company's workforce comprised over 20,000 employees worldwide as of December 31, 2009. GEA Group is a market and technology leader in its business areas. The company is listed in the MDAX index (G1A, WKN 660200).

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.

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SOURCE AT&T Inc.