Affiniti announced today it has achieved the Optical Metro Transport Authorised Technology Provider (ATP) status from Cisco Systems®.  This ATP designation is by invitation only and recognises Affiniti for its ability to provide the core knowledge and skills required to successfully deploy and support Cisco® Optical Metro Transport solutions.

Derek Thompson, Affiniti's Director of Data Management Solutions, commented: "We are very pleased to gain recognition in achieving ATP status for Optical Metro Transport. This technology further strengthens our Data Management Solutions strategy and enables us to help our customers maximise their investment in fibre technology. It also gives assurance of our capabilities in providing cost effective end to end solutions to our customers."

"ATP partners are instrumental in helping Cisco penetrate new growth markets," said Keith Goodwin, senior vice president, Worldwide Channels at Cisco Systems. "The Optical Metro Transport ATP indicates that Affiniti can successfully plan, design and deploy Cisco Metro Optical Transport solutions to the marketplace."

Resource Requirements

In order to be recognised as an Optical Metro Transport ATP, Affiniti was required to fulfill the following job roles with qualified individuals who have met specific testing requirements: an account or engagement manager, responsible for Optical Metro Transport sales methodology; and three system engineers, responsible for planning design, implementation, and integration to support Optical Metro Transport solutions.

Customer Satisfaction Requirement

In addition to the personnel requirements, Affiniti has agreed to meet the requirements regarding documenting customer satisfaction.  This includes undertaking a random customer survey to obtain a customer satisfaction rating.  In order to maintain its ATP status, Affiniti must obtain a 4.0 average rating out of a possible 5.0 for every five surveys completed.

Lab Requirement

The Optical Metro Transport ATP also requires Affiniti to either have or have access to a Cisco qualified lab to aid in proof-of-concept demonstrations, internal training, and network emulation to simulate actual end-user conditions.

Affiniti, the communications integrator, specialises in designing, implementing and managing intelligent communications solutions for private and public sector organisations.

Some of its customers include: Experian, Carphone Warehouse, British Airways, Ford, Admiral Insurance, Edinburgh Telford College , Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen Hospital , Cheshire Police, Citigroup, Lloyds TSB.

Affiniti is part of the KCOM Group.

KCOM Group PLC provides a range of integrated IT and communications services to businesses, and internet and telecommunications services to selected consumer markets, within the UK .

The Group's portfolio of businesses works with both leading private enterprise customers and public sector organisations. Through its Affiniti, Smart421 and JAM IP brands, the Group delivers solutions covering unified communications, contact centre solutions, data management, applications integration and managed services.

The KCOM Group also includes a regionally-focused business, Kingston Communications, which supports small to medium-sized businesses. Through its KC and Eclipse brands, the business offers a wide range of internet-based and telecommunications services. The regional business also provides telephony and internet services to targeted consumers through its KC, Eclipse and Karoo brands.

The Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange and employs over 2,700 people across the UK .

Dianne White
Affiniti
01442 883370
E: dianne.white@affiniti.com

Jenny Roberts
Nelson Bostock Communications
0207 792 7440
E: jenny.roberts@nelsonbostock.com