AMF Bowling strikes deal with MCI

MCI, Inc (NASDAQ: MCIP) and AMF Bowling, the world`s largest owner and operator of bowling centres, today announced a new three-year $1.275 million agreement for MCI to deploy and manage AMF`s global communications network. MCI will connect more than 350 bowling centres and 12 000 employees around the nation to enhance AMF`s business operations and better serve customers.

Utilising MCI`s fully-managed, cost-effective IP VPN Broadband Service, AMF will modernise its existing satellite communications system to increase reliability, performance and security at each location, while reducing the costs associated with network equipment investment, maintenance and management. MCI`s Internet Protocol (IP) services also will support AMF`s new Online Reservation System, a Web-based tool under development that will enable bowlers to make lane reservations in real-time for bowling parties and other special events via the AMF Web site.

"MCI is providing a comprehensive IP-based solution that will help us take our business to the next level as we move more self-service customer functions to the Web," said Rohana Meade, vice-president of information technology for AMF. "As a valued communications and IT partner, we know we can rely on MCI to run our network and keep our business rolling 365 days a year."

In addition to using MCI`s high-speed, always-on IP VPN Broadband Services, AMF is further safeguarding its network with MCI`s NetSec Managed Firewall Service. As a result, AMF can increase the security and productivity of its employees and customers while eliminating the complexities associated with managing advanced enterprise-wide security solutions.

"With MCI`s Managed Network Services, large enterprise customers, like AMF, can leverage their existing resources and enjoy flexible, reliable and secure IP-based solutions that will meet their rapidly evolving business needs," said Steve Young, senior vice-president, MCI Commercial Markets.

"MCI, through the power of our IP capabilities, is providing solutions that enable AMF to better focus on its core business operations."

Today, MCI manages nearly 3 100 customer networks in 149 countries, including overseeing 22 000-plus non-MCI connections from more than 60 network service providers globally.