AT&T announced today that its subsidiary has agreed to acquire privately-held
USinternetworking (USi), an independent Applications Service Provider (ASP), for a reported $300 million in cash and assumed debt. The companies plan to complete the transaction in the fourth quarter.
The move will align USi's software and eBusiness management services and consulting know-how with AT&T's (
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USi manages enterprise software systems and on-demand services. USi provides software management and outsourcing services for business software from companies like Oracle (
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Once the acquisition procedures are completed, the company will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary and business unit within AT&T's existing enterprise services organization, which is led by group president Forrest Miller. AT&T expects to retain USi's team and its domestic and international operations.
“The addition of USi’s technology and expertise in applications management to AT&T’s global reach, networking expertise and extensive hosting capabilities will broaden the range of solutions for our customers,” said Miller in a statement.
Andrew A. Stern, USi’s chairman and chief executive officer, will join AT&T as CEO of USi upon the closing of the transaction.
AT&T also announced today the availability of the AT&T CallVantage Softphone service. The move will enable subscribers to use the telecom giant's residential VoIP calling service and features from a domestic broadband connection, at home or on the go (where E911 service is available).
The telecom teamed up with SIP softphone developer CounterPath Solutions (
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USinternetworking
AT&T Inc.