VITAL NETWORK SERVICES ACHIEVES WIRELESS LAN TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIZATION FROM CISCO SYSTEMS

TAMPA, Florida -- October 1, 2002 -- VITAL Network Services, Inc., a multivendor provider of worldwide network lifecycle services, announced today it has achieved the Wireless LAN Technology Specialization from Cisco Systems, Inc. This specialization recognizes VITAL for having the ability to plan, design, implement and operate Cisco award-winning, Aironet wireless LAN solutions.

"Today's networked users are increasingly demanding the anytime, anywhere Internet connectivity available with wireless LAN solutions," said John Koehler, president and CEO of VITAL Network Services. "By achieving Cisco's Wireless LAN specialization, we have demonstrated our ability to deliver knowledgeable wireless LAN support to our customers throughout the sales process and the lifecycle of their network."

"Many small-and medium-sized business and enterprise customers across a variety of industries are deploying wireless LAN solutions, creating a tremendous opportunity for our channel partners," said Surinder Brar, senior director of Worldwide Channels Marketing for Cisco Systems. "Our Wireless LAN specialized companies, like VITAL, will play a critical role in helping organizations employ the flexibility, mobility and cost savings benefits of wireless LAN solutions."

To achieve the Wireless LAN Technology Specialization, VITAL had to fill the following job roles with individuals who have met specific testing requirements: an account manager, responsible for the sales methodology of the Cisco wireless LAN solutions; a systems engineer, responsible for the network planning and design; and a field engineer, responsible for the implementation and support of the wireless LAN solution.

About VITAL Network Services
VITAL Network Services, a global multivendor, multitechnology support provider, delivers world-class network support services to large enterprise customers, network equipment manufacturers, integrators, value-added resellers, distributors, and carriers around the world. VITAL's comprehensive portfolio of data, voice, and video network services helps customers realize the full value of their network by addressing all facets of the network lifecycle including network design and planning, integration, training, maintenance, and proactive monitoring. With its own technical staff and over 3000 authorized service provider technicians located throughout the world, VITAL provides on-site service in more than 60 countries across six continents.

VITAL provides round-the-clock support for over 2000 customers from its operations centers in the US and England. Corporate headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida with sales and field support organizations throughout the world. More information about VITAL and its services is available at www.vital-ns.com, or by calling 1-888-248-4825 (U.S. and Canada) or +1-813-818-5100 worldwide.

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