USi First ASP to Market with Enhanced Messaging Solution Powered by Microsoft Exchange

Strategic Insights -

USinternetworking Inc., the first and leading application service provider (ASP), has announced its enterprise-class managed messaging solution based on Microsoft Exchange, becoming the first ASP to offer such a solution. This initiative has strengthened USi's partnership with Microsoft, with the company being promoted to a National Microsoft Certified Solution Provider Partner (MCSP) and acquiring a first-of-its-kind Microsoft Alliance Support Agreement. This unique agreement provides world-class, 24x7 Microsoft technical support to USi customers.

Key Takeaways:

  • USi's Enhanced Messaging Powered by Microsoft Exchange product offers an enterprise messaging solution with a reduced total cost of ownership, guaranteed service levels starting at 99.5% availability, and 24x7x365 full-service customer support for a flat monthly fee per seat.
  • The product leverages a unique Internet-based architecture to deliver Microsoft Exchange messaging functionality from USi data centers to enterprise customers, providing a reliable and fully supported messaging alternative.
  • The partnership with Microsoft has enabled USi to overcome the challenges associated with taking the Microsoft Exchange Platform out of the LAN environment and placing it in robust Internet-based data centers.
  • The Enhanced Messaging product is available today and initially targets companies with 300 to 5,000 employees that already have a commitment to the Microsoft product line.
  • The service has been praised by beta customer TeleChoice, Inc., which has saved money by outsourcing their messaging infrastructure and can now free up technical resources for other critical IT projects.
  • USi's Enhanced Messaging service also provides enterprise customer benefits including up-front professional services, installation, training and conversion, along with business process management and solution administration.
  • Wireless, unified messaging, and other new features are expected in the near future.

Statistics:

  • The Enhanced Messaging Powered by Microsoft Exchange product offers a reduced total cost of ownership.
  • The service provides guaranteed service levels starting at 99.5% availability.
  • The 24x7x365 full-service customer support is available for a flat monthly fee per seat.
  • The service leverages a unique Internet-based architecture.
  • The partnership with Microsoft has provided USi with the technical capability to overcome the challenges associated with taking the Microsoft Exchange Platform out of the LAN environment.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, "USi First ASP to Market with Enhanced Messaging Solution Powered by Microsoft Exchange" (Sept 7, 1999)
  • USinternetworking Inc. Press Release, "USi Announces First ASP to Offer Enhanced Messaging Powered by Microsoft Exchange" (Sept 7, 1999)
  • Microsoft Corporation, "USinternetworking Inc. Becomes National Microsoft Certified Solution Provider Partner (MCSP)" (Sept 7, 1999)
  • TeleChoice, Inc. Press Release, "TeleChoice, Inc. Selects USinternetworking Inc.'s Enhanced Messaging Powered by Microsoft Exchange" (Sept 7, 1999)