Micromuse Inc. (Nasdaq: MUSE), the leading provider of ultra-scalable, realtime business and service assurance software, and generationE, a Netcool® systems integrator, today announced that PowerNet Global Communications, a leading integrated communications provider, has deployed Netcool solutions to provide the core service management foundation for its network-based IP, voice, and private line services, as well as network infrastructure elements such as servers, routers, gateways and access devices. generationE Technologies was responsible for implementing the solution in PowerNet Global’s central network operations center, located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

PowerNet Global delivers leading-edge communications technologies to more than 400,000 customers nationwide and is a leading integrated communications provider that offers a host of services to both residential and business customers. Its network supports advanced communications services for many of the country’s leading communications agents and affinity groups with a wide range of integrated voice, data, and Internet solutions. PowerNet Global is using Netcool as the primary management solution to automate network operation processes, reduce management costs, and deliver services more quickly, reliably and consistently for its customers.

“Our customers are our number one priority. We are continually focused on improving services, and with the Netcool solution we can ensure the quality and consistency of current services, as well as roll out new services more efficiently,” said Mike Shaw, Vice President of Product Development and Network Solutions at PowerNet Global. “We are very excited about our relationship with Micromuse and generationE Technologies. The professional services and support provided by both vendors has made the deployment of this network management solution very successful.”

generationE was selected to design and deploy the system because of its extensive experience with sophisticated business service assurance solutions. “The Netcool-based solution enables PowerNet Global to offer a superior level of service to its customers. The solution will allow them to manage their network with realtime information and further achieve concrete business benefits such as reduced operational costs and improved customer loyalty,” affirms Casey Kindiger, CEO and Managing Partner of generationE Technologies. “We are very serious about our commitment to customer service and are pleased that PowerNet Global partnered with generationE.

Netcool solutions allow PowerNet Global’s operations staff to proactively maintain all network elements and provide the best possible quality of service and availability to their growing customer base. Network operations engineers are able to leverage the powerful and scalable solutions to pinpoint network problems and identify precisely how a fault will impact customers and services, enabling the team to improve network efficiency and ensure customer satisfaction.

“Micromuse’s Netcool solutions provide a best-in-class solution for end-to-end network and performance management and are used by the world’s top 20 largest telecommunications providers,” said Tom Axbey, Micromuse’s Vice President, Service Provider Sales. “Our focus on providing scalable, flexible solutions with leading partners such as generationE ensures a fast return on investment and lower total cost of ownership for leading service providers who want to improve service quality and reduce customer churn.”

About PowerNet Global
Founded in 1992, integrated communications provider PowerNet Global works with many of the country’s top communications agents and affinity groups to offer a wide range of integrated voice, data, and Internet solutions nationwide to residential and commercial customers. Leveraging its reputation in the industry with strong carrier partnerships, PowerNet Global offers tremendous opportunities for carriers, resellers, agents, and affinity groups. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, and has offices in Jamestown, New York and Chicago. PowerNet Global has achieved consistent growth—throughout the telecom industry downturn—by developing and marketing an expanding array of competitive products, and maintaining a clear focus on delivering unrivaled customer support. Please visit www.powernetglobal.com

About generationE Technologies
generationE Technologies is an IT solutions provider of business service assurance and management solutions. Their best-practice disciplines span IT Service Management and Network Systems Management, offering robust and scaleable solutions that include Network Management, Security Management, Help Desk Implementation and Service Level Management. Partnered with software vanguards of the IT Operations space, generationE provides integration services for “best-of-class” technology solutions that include implementation, training, and support services for these products. generationE Technologies has customers across the US and is headquartered at 2607 w. 22nd Street, Suite 47, Oak Brook, IL 60614; (630) 242-5600. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Website: www.generationetech.com

About Micromuse
Micromuse Inc. (Nasdaq: MUSE) is the leading provider of ultra-scalable, realtime business and service assurance software solutions. The Netcool® software suite provides organizations with the assurance that their IT systems are supporting and driving profits 24 hours a day. Unlike traditional infrastructure management systems, Netcool solutions provide realtime end-to-end visibility and accurate troubleshooting from a business perspective. Such business intelligence allows organizations to respond to problems quickly, streamline workflow processes and improve business uptime. Micromuse customers include BT, Cable & Wireless, Deutsche Telekom, EarthLink, ITC^DeltaCom, JPMorgan Chase, MCI, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Headquarters are located at 650 Townsend Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94103; (415) 568-9800. The Web site is at www.micromuse.com.