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DES MOINES, Iowa—September 29, 2004—LightEdge Solutions, Inc., a Midwest leader in data networking and managed business services, and Associated Computer Systems, Ltd. (ACS), an Iowa-based IBM Premier Business Partner, today announced a partnership to offer a disaster recovery solution for small- and medium-sized businesses. The disaster recovery solution integrates the IBM eServer iSeries business computer with LightEdge’s communications network. The IBM eServer iSeries runs the most popular operating systems like OS/400, Microsoft 2000 and 2003 Server, Linux and AIX. The entire solution is hosted in LightEdge’s state-of-the-art data center, a multi-homed, redundant core network based in Iowa.

“In light of recent disastrous events, we’re seeing a trend of increasing demand among small- and medium-sized businesses for disaster recovery and business continuity solutions,” said Tony Foth, vice president of ACS. “For many small businesses, loss of data and access to business applications significantly impacts their productivity and bottom line, so hosting our disaster recovery solution in LightEdge’s carrier-class data center helps to minimize the effects of such events.”

Businesses look to implement disaster recovery or business continuity programs to ensure that critical business applications, corporate data, and productivity remain intact during events such as natural disasters, network outages, or sabotage. ACS’s disaster recovery solution is designed to cater to the specific needs of businesses in the following ways:

• Protects server data from accidental loss or destruction in the event of a malicious attack or failure;
• Enables quick response and restoration of mission-critical data with managed backup and restore services;
• Minimizes the costs and time associated with recovering from server data loss;
• Allows remote sites to get back on-line in a matter of hours, not days, and without requiring a significant number of reconfiguration hours during and after a disaster.

“In combination, ACS’s disaster recovery solution and our redundant, meshed IP WAN network offer businesses an end-to-end solution, from the application to the network,” said Jim Masterson, chief executive officer and president of LightEdge Solutions. “Together, we are dedicated to technology leadership and best-in-class service and support.”

Businesses can rest assured knowing that their networks and systems will remain operational because ACS’s disaster recovery solution is hosted in LightEdge’s state-of-the-art, carrier-class facility that includes secured access, environmental controls, and redundant power. LightEdge’s data center offers the following benefits:

• Round-the-clock secured access that is monitored 24/7 by surveillance and security personnel to protect equipment, including a two-phase entry system with biometric scans;
• Secure cabinets that are viewable through real-time cameras by authorized individuals;
• A high-volume, highly-redundant system regulates temperature, humidity, and air flow to create the optimal condition for computing equipment;
• Multiple power grids offer the greatest power redundancy; backup generators, secondary dock access, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and surge suppression provide backup services in the event of an outage;
• Fire suppression and dry pipe water systems protect infrastructure and minimize fire damage.

To introduce the disaster recovery solution and to educate businesses on disaster recovery approaches and best practices, ACS and LightEdge are offering a free seminar series available on the following dates:

Wednesday, October 13 Omaha, NE 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 14 Des Moines, IA 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 21 Cedar Rapids, IA 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

For more information on the disaster recovery seminars or to register, visit ACS online at www.acsltd.com/dr or contact Tiffany Bronk at 515-223-0078 or [email protected].

About Associated Computer Systems, LTD.
Associated Computer Systems, Ltd. (ACS), an IBM Premier Business Partner, is an Iowa-based business that utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to provide customized business solutions. Serving business for almost 25 years, ACS designs and integrates information systems to enable companies to improve their operational effectiveness and efficiency. ACS provides marketing support and professional services to clients that use IBM’s iSeries (AS/400) and Network computer systems, and supports a large client base that utilizes both industry-specific and in-house applications software. The ACS team combines quality computing products with professional expertise and local support to provide the best total solution. For more information, visit ACS’s Web site at http://www.acsltd.com.

About LightEdge Solutions
LightEdge Solutions® empowers businesses to be more productive, mobile and effective with managed voice and data services delivered through a multi-homed, Cisco Powered Network data center environment. By out-tasking voice, data and IT services, small and medium sized businesses are able to realize unparalleled scalability and reliability with a lower total cost of ownership and reduced administration. For more information about services available for your business, visit LightEdge’s web site at www.lightedge.com.

LightEdge Solutions® and the LightEdge Solutions logo, and Scale-on-Demand™ are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of LightEdge Solutions, Inc. EdgeBCC™ and the EdgeBCC logo are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of the Edge Business Continuity Center. All other brands or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.