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Merit Network Broadens MeritVoice Managed VoIP Service

ANN ARBOR -- Merit Network Inc. has reached an agreement with Iron Mountain-based CCI Systems to become a provider of MeritVoice.

The successful MeritVoice VoIP service is now distributed by both Troy-based TelNet Worldwide and CCI Systems. MeritVoice is a fully hosted and managed VoIP system that includes voice mail, conference calling, call forwarding, call screening, and more.

"We are excited to add the expertise and value that CCI Systems can provide our Members," said Elwood Downing, vice president of member relations, communications and services. "TelNet Worldwide has been a valued partner in providing MeritVoice since its debut several years ago. With both TelNet Worldwide and CCI Systems providing VoIP services, we can provide greater flexibility to our Members."

TelNet Worldwide and CCI Systems have extensive experience implementing VoIP solutions at organizations across Michigan, and Merit interconnects directly to the voice partners' networks for enhanced performance.

Said Patrick Case, managing director of IP Services at CCI Systems: "Merit truly has the strongest fiber network in the state of Michigan, providing IP based services to governmental and educational organizations in the Upper and Lower Peninsula of Michigan."

"In concert with Merit's commitment to its Members, TelNet is proud to continue delivering the benefits of MeritVoice IP voice and unified communications," said Mark Iannuzzi, president of TelNet Worldwide. "Our long term partnership and our highly consultative process has empowered a solid base of Merit Network Members to take advantage of the latest in IP communication technology."

MeritVoice offers IP trunking, as well as hosted PBX. It provides local calling throughout Michigan, long-distance calling worldwide, and full 800 number capability. Merit's fully-hosted VoIP brings telephone service directly to an organization's network, without any additional equipment. All of the information and functions needed to manage and monitor the phone system can be conveniently accessed from anywhere, using a Web browser.

MeritVoice is provisioned over a Member's MeritFiber connection which eliminates the need for a separate circuit and saves cost. Also, Merit interconnects with the voice providers' networks, enhancing the performance of MeritVoice.

Organizations currently using MeritVoice include Northern Michigan University, Western Michigan University, Lake Michigan College, Alpena Community College, Jackson County Intermediate School District, Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, Detroit Public Library, Detroit Community High School, and others.

"MeritVoice is a complete, converged communications solution," said Leslie Williamson, director of services at Merit Network. "It provides cost savings to our members and integrates voice and data over an organization's network. Merit Network, TelNet Worldwide, and CCI Systems are working together to provide the best VoIP solution possible to our members."

For more information about MeritVoice, email services-info@merit.edu, call (734) 527-5785 or visit www.merit.edu/meritvoice/.

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