The multivendor provider of network lifecycle services, VITAL Network Services, Inc., and the single-source provider of telecommunications and network services to enterprises, CICAT Networks formed a strategic partnership. The new connection between the two is ment to create a single, independent resource for the deployment and management of Broadband-based Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Targeted at enterprises and retailers with a large number of distributed locations, and the service providers who serve these customers, the Managed Broadband VPN solution can considerably reduce customers' communications costs, rise their return on investment (ROI), and remove the hassles of coordinating and managing the multiple carriers, locations and service types involved in Broadband VPN environments.

Brad Wise, CICAT's president and CEO, stated: "VITAL's ubiquitous field organization, multivendor expertise and 24x7 management capabilities complement CICAT's access services to deliver a turn-key solution for customers interested in containing their network costs. The synergies between our companies have enabled us to bring a comprehensive solution to market that allows customers to fully realize the cost and productivity benefits associated with implementing a Broadband VPN."

John Koehler, president and CEO of VITAL, added: "By leveraging CICAT's strong relationships with thousands of network providers throughout North America and VITAL's service and support capabilities, our customers will receive a fully managed solution with seamless coverage at the best available price. Partnerships like this enhance our long-term strategy to provide strong value and support to our customers."

VITAL Network Services, an independent, multivendor service and support provider headquartered in Tampa, Florida, delivers industry-leading network support services to large enterprise customers, network equipment manufacturers, integrators, value-added resellers, distributors, and carriers. CICAT is the trusted, independent single-source provider of telecommunications and network services to enterprises. CICAT enables its customers to work with one partner, while paving the way for new broadband-enabled business applications, including Customer Relationship Management and other revenue-generating, productivity-enhancing applications.

The Managed Broadband VPN solution brings:

* CPE Maintenance Services
* Prequalification and Design Services
* Provisioning and Implementation Services
* CPE Configuration Development, Staging and Installation
* Broadband Ordering and Provisioning
* Fault Management Services
* Billing Consolidation and Payment Services
* Project Management

For more informaton visit http:// www.cicat.com and http://www.vital-ns.com .