Net Access Selects Imation Corp. to Deliver Customer Support
30 March 1999
Net Access Selects Imation Corp. to Deliver World-Class Customer Support For Their Automotive Network Exchange (ANX) Transaction Security Systems
OAKDALE, Minn.--March 30, 1999--network security solutions for automotive industry standard
networks
Imation Corp. and Net Access, a network security consulting firm, today announced an agreement under which Imation will provide help desk support to Automotive Network eXchange(R) (ANX(R)) customers with Net Access firewall and virtual private network (VPN) solutions.
The ANX, developed jointly by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and Bell Communications Research, is a secure private network, or extranet, that links the trading partners of the U.S. automotive industry into a single, secure network for electronic commerce and data transfer. Clients can choose Net Access to install, configure and test the encryption technology necessary to connect to the ANX service. Imation will provide 24 x 7 or 10 x 6 telephone help desk support to those suppliers who need assistance with Net Access security implementations used in the ANX network infrastructure.
"We chose Imation because of their outstanding customer service record and because they have the infrastructure and know-how to deliver the highest quality support to our customers," said Hugh Voigt, CEO, Net Access. "We're pleased to have found a worldwide service organization like Imation that can support Net Access as it expands globally into new market segments."
"In a burgeoning market for e-business solutions, Imation sees a real ground-floor opportunity with Net Access, as they deliver state-of-the-art multi-platform security solutions into a rapidly growing automotive supplier networking market," said said Will DeBoer, general manager, Imation Service business. "Imation's global services business is focused on delivering world-class services both to large corporations, and to start-up companies like Net Access. Our breadth and depth of support services allow our customers to provide their clients with superior service while focusing on what they do best."
The ANX was developed by the AIAG to enable suppliers and automakers to communicate with each other on one business-quality network service. Prior to the development of the ANX service, suppliers had to maintain several proprietary and redundant network connections to communicate with manufacturers and amongst themselves.
Imation's worldwide service business supports customers of Imation's leading data storage and imaging products and third-party customers with services such as on-site installation and service, telephone support, depot repair and parts management services. Imation's customer survey responses average more than 97 percent satisfactory or outstanding, demonstrating the company's ability to service sophisticated high-technology equipment and satisfy the rigorous requirements of corporate customers.
The Imation global services business is part of a broad growth strategy for Imation. The company is building upon its core data storage and imaging businesses to deliver comprehensive management solutions, including professional services, systems integration and ongoing service and support.
About Net Access
Headquartered in Minneapolis, with offices in Detroit and Phoenix, Net Access is a privately held, full-service provider of network security assessment and consulting services. Its flagship offering, Security Overview of Network Accessibility and Risks (S.O.N.A.R.), provides large, multi-national corporations with assessments of the threats and vulnerabilities facing their information infrastructure. For more information, contact Layton Olson at 612-395-6607.
About Imation Corp.
Imation Digital Solutions and Services addresses the information, image and color management, service and support needs of customers and partners worldwide. Designed to help its customers improve profitability and launch new revenue opportunities, Imation's services business delivers consulting and analysis, business strategy and strategic implementation of a wide range of support services, including on-site hardware and software services, parts and equipment management, telephone support, depot repair, training and technical writing. For more information, contact Karl Evert at (651) 704-4000.
Imation supplies a variety of products and services worldwide for the information and image management industry, specializing in imaging and data storage solutions. In 1998, the Company reported revenues of approximately $2 billion. As of December 31, 1998, Imation employed approximately 6,400 people worldwide and is based in Oakdale, Minn.
Additional information about Imation is available on the Company's Web site at www.imation.com or by calling Imation toll-free at 1-888-466-3456. To receive recent earnings and new releases, corporate information and related shareholder services, call Imation's toll-free shareholder information line at 1-888-IMN-NYSE (1-888-466-6973).
ANX(R) and Automotive Network eXchange(R) are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as service marks by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AiAG), Southfield, Michigan.
Imation is a trademark of Imation Corp.
All other company and product names are the property of their respective owners.