Verizon Business Creates Flexible and Scalable Global Technology Platform for Getinge Group

Secure Managed Global Network, Computing-as-a-Service Combine to Create Infrastructure to Enable Global Expansion

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- When Getinge Group needed to enhance its global communication environment, it turned to Verizon Business.  Under a new 3 1/2-year agreement, Verizon will deploy and manage an integrated communication and networking solution.

Getinge Group, a leading global provider of health care and life sciences products and systems, employs more than 12,000 employees at 150 companies around the globe. The company is expanding rapidly through a mix of acquisition and organic growth.  As a result, Getinge's network infrastructure had become increasingly fragmented, with multiple service providers around the world.

Verizon is consolidating Getinge's global communication environment onto a secure, high-capacity, Verizon global Private IP network. Network security is further enhanced by Verizon's industry-leading managed security services portfolio, and Getinge is also turning to Verizon for managed and professional services support. Service reliability is supported by Verizon's stringent and comprehensive network monitoring services, and service-level agreements.

Getinge is also leveraging Verizon's Computing-as-a-Service solution, which provides a robust and secure platform that can be scaled on demand according to immediate business needs.

"We needed to upgrade our network operations and wanted to reinvent our network environment to ensure it would support our business needs," said Pelle Lundgren, group IT director for Getinge Group.  "In Verizon Business, we've found a partner who has a global reach, expansive solutions portfolio, broad experience and expertise to support us globally – as well as a strong Swedish presence. We hope that our new network will deliver management and cost efficiencies."

About Getinge Group

The Getinge Group is a leading global provider of products and systems that contribute to quality enhancement and cost efficiency within healthcare and life sciences. We operate under the three brands of ArjoHuntleigh, GETINGE and MAQUET. ArjoHuntleigh focuses on patient mobility and wound management solutions. GETINGE provides solutions for infection control within healthcare and contamination prevention within life sciences. MAQUET specializes in solutions, therapies and products for surgical interventions and intensive care. http://www.getingegroup.com

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with one of the world's most connected IP networks to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions.  We securely connect today's extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees – enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment.  Many of the world's largest businesses and governments – including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions – rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

SOURCE Verizon Business