BellSouth announced that it has expanded support of advanced enterprise voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) applications to include rich media conferencing and has achieved the Rich Media Communications Advanced Technology Provider status from Cisco Systems.

This ATP designation is by invitation only and recognizes BellSouth for its ability to provide the core knowledge and skills required to successfully deploy Cisco RMC solutions designed for high-end mid market and enterprise customers.

"The sustainable driver for enterprise VoIP adoption is the promise of advanced applications, including conferencing and collaboration," said Fred Shaftman, president, BellSouth Business. "BellSouth's full portfolio of VoIP solutions allows customers to experience productivity enhancing applications that immediately impact business operations."

Cisco RMC ATP builds upon a foundation of Cisco MeetingPlace, which is a part of the Cisco IP Communications system. Cisco MeetingPlace is a complete rich media conferencing solution that seamlessly integrates voice, video and Web conferencing capabilities to make remote meetings as natural and effective as face-to-face meetings for unmatched productivity gains.

"This program enables BellSouth to offer customers a business solution that will allow them to collaborate more effectively, reduce travel costs and improve productivity," said Keith Goodwin, senior vice president, Worldwide Channels at Cisco Systems. "The new Rich Media Communications ATP status indicates that BellSouth is able to successfully deploy one of the most advanced technologies Cisco offers, Cisco RMC solutions, to business customers."

BellSouth entered the VoIP market in 2001 when it began selling Cisco IP Communications solutions to enterprise customers. The company began supporting multimedia applications in 2004 and has extended that offering by adding Cisco RMC solutions to the portfolio.

BellSouth is a Cisco Gold Certified Partner and, in addition to the RMC ATP, has been awarded with the following designations:

• IP Telephony Services Specialization
• IP Communications Specialization
• VPN Security Specialization
• VPN/Security Services Specialization
• Wireless LAN Specialization
• Advanced Technology Provider - Optical - Metro Transport
• Advanced Technology Provider - Optical - Metro DWDM

For more information about BellSouth voice and data solutions for businesses, visit www.bellsouthlargebusiness.com.