AT&T has announced that Sun Microsystems has awarded a worldwide contract to AT&T, which will be a key global information technology (IT) and prime network management and maintenance provider. Sun also selected AT&T as a provider for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution that will integrate Sun locations throughout the world.

AT&T will provide Sun with worldwide network management and maintenance services for a wide area network, a local area network and voice infrastructure in more than 250 facilities located in more than 45 countries. The contract also covers day-to-day project management, network design and network change management.

"AT&T continues to have a strong relationship with Sun, and we're excited about the future," said Mark Keiffer, executive vice president of AT&T Global Business Sales. "Both companies share a similar vision for global integration that requires an IP-based technology platform and consistent service standards around the world. Sun's information technology business model and worldwide needs are a perfect fit for AT&T's proven ability to manage, maintain and integrate networks."

As part of the contract with Sun, AT&T also is responsible for managing and integrating all of the network service providers that support Sun throughout the world to ensure consistent, uniform IT service delivery, support and global network efficiency.

As part of a separate contract, AT&T will migrate Sun to a global VPN solution and will connect Sun facilities throughout the world.