Level 3 Simplifies Data Center Networking Solution for Enterprises

Level 3 is working with Brocade, a leader in high-performance data center network solutions, to provide a turnkey, end-to-end solution for connecting two or more geographically dispersed data centers using the fibre channel, FICON (fibre connectivity) and fibre channel over Internet protocol (FCIP) SAN protocols. SAN protocols are a key offering in Level 3’s Data Center Networking portfolio, which also includes dark fiber, managed fiber, wavelengths and private line options. The solution is designed for enterprises seeking to replicate data to multiple data centers and to support applications that require business continuity, disaster recovery and/or data distribution.

“Level 3 is dedicated to providing enterprises with a comprehensive suite of options to best meet their network service needs, and our data center networking portfolio clearly demonstrates this,” said Paul Savill, senior vice president of Transport and Infrastructure Services for Level 3. “Working with Brocade, we are able to expand this already robust portfolio to provide our customers with the ability to ensure their advanced SAN protocols service is compatible with their essential network hardware.”

In selecting network solutions, businesses are typically forced to independently coordinate desired services separately from the associated hardware they are using. Often this requires a third party, or “network consolidator,” to evaluate the compatibility between network services and hardware. As a part of its professional services, Level 3 is working with Brocade to act as the consolidator for its data center networking customers, offering a transparent and collaborative approach to ensuring enterprise hardware is properly aligned with Level 3’s advanced SAN Protocols service.

“Optimizing data center connectivity requires solutions that combine low-latency, distributed architectures and the need for non-stop operations,” saidDoug Ingraham, vice president of Product Management,Data Center Group, at Brocade. “We are delighted to provide Level 3 with our industry-leading SAN extension solutions that facilitate replication and backup over any distance using cost-effective data center connectivity/network links.”

Level 3’s Data Center Networking portfolio provides a complete package of reliable, scalable and economical solutions that enable enterprises to securely interconnect company facilities and data centers around the globe. The portfolio offers businesses fully managed optical networks, which enable synchronous and asynchronous data storage replication. Level 3’s latest enhancement joins an already robust portfolio that includes scalable and transparent route diversity, business continuity, cost control and experienced network consultants for strategic data center management.

For more information on Level 3’s Data Center Networking portfolio, visit http://www.level3.com/index.cfm?pageID=540.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc.(NASDAQ: LVLT) is a premier international provider of IP-based communications services to enterprise, content, government and wholesale customers. Over its reliable, scalable and secure network, Level 3 delivers integrated IP solutions, including converged, data, voice, video and managed solutions to help enable customers’ growth and efficiency. Level 3 operates a unique global services platform anchored by owned fiber networks on three continents in more than 45 countries, connected by extensive undersea facilities. For more information, visit www.level3.com.

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Forward-Looking Statement

Some of the statements made in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3’s control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to:  the company’s ability to successfully integrate the Global Crossing acquisition, the current uncertainty in the global financial markets and the global economy; a discontinuation of the development and expansion of the Internet as a communications medium and marketplace for the distribution and consumption of data and video; and disruptions in the financial markets that could affect Level 3’s ability to obtain additional financing.  Additional factors include, but are not limited to, the company’s ability to:  increase and maintain the volume of traffic on its network; develop effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; adapt to rapid technological changes that lead to further competition; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; successfully integrate future acquisitions; and meet all of the terms and conditions of debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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