NEW YORK, Jan. 12 -- Retailers are increasingly using in-store local area wireless networks for a variety of key functions, including staying in close touch with sales personnel who are serving customers. But all too often, these networks are vulnerable to a variety of security threats such as attacks by hackers and the use of unauthorized devices.

To address this growing problem, Verizon Business, in conjunction with Motorola Inc., unveiled on Tuesday (Jan. 12) a managed wireless security service that will be offered via Verizon's Framework for Retail, a new technology platform that Verizon Business is designing to help retailers improve their IT performance and enhance their business processes.

The new managed service and framework, announced at the National Retail Federation (NRF) BIG Show at the Javits Center, are a key part of Verizon Business' initiative to increase its support for retailers, an important segment of the enterprise market. Verizon Business also recently created Verizon Retail, a retail practice group serving retailers and their specific needs.

"Interoperability is a huge issue for retailers," said Ravi Bagal, vice president and global managing director " retail, Verizon Business. "Unfortunately, retailers are plagued with a mishmash of applications that often do not integrate with each other and can be disruptive to their business. The new Verizon Framework for Retail solves the interoperability challenge by seamlessly connecting disparate applications and allowing retailers to put technology to work for them."

Verizon Business' managed security offering consists of a range of solutions employing Motorola AirDefense wireless security products, which are specifically designed to protect 802.11 wireless local area networks (LANs) " the most common wireless LANS " against a wide range of threats and unauthorized devices.

The offering, which Verizon Business can monitor or fully manage, will also help retailers comply with PCI (Payment Card Industry) Data Security Standard requirements and more effectively monitor performance and troubleshoot problems.

"Adoption of wireless LAN technologies, fueled by the recent ratification of the 802.11n standard and the performance benefits it offers, continues to rapidly expand in the retail sector and along with it targeted security threats," said Mark Kroh, vice president of North America Channels, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions. "By leveraging Motorola AirDefense's industry-leading wireless security technologies, Verizon is providing retailers a safe, mobile in-store experience with 24-by-7 management of their wireless networks."

Verizon Framework for Retail Underpins New Wireless Managed Service

The Verizon Framework for Retail is a set of solutions based upon industry and technology standards that support IT simplification and standardization within retail. It will integrate the Verizon global IP network and the company's data centers to host and securely connect disparate applications and technology platforms " both internally and across vendors and partners.

Verizon plans to deliver the retail framework in three phases. The first phase focuses on selling and managing hosted applications and devices from technology partners such as Motorola, allowing Verizon to seamlessly integrate them across the platform. In phase two, the framework will become available as a service, integrating various solutions using the Verizon network. In the final phase, the framework services will be delivered in the cloud (via the Internet), enabling retailers to turn up or turn down service as needed.

Verizon Retail

Verizon Retail is an IT consulting practice group focused on helping retailers simplify their IT infrastructure, better control costs, and protect their data and reputation with the ultimate goal of better serving customers. Through Verizon's Framework for Retail, the company brings a unique, standards-based approach to retailers. The framework leverages Verizon's networking, managed IT and application solutions, specifically drawing upon Verizon's cloud computing and security offerings. More information is available at http://www.verizonbusiness.com/solutions/retail.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with one of the world's most connected IP networks to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions. We securely connect today's extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees " enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment. Many of the world's largest businesses and governments " including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions " rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

About Motorola

Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications and is focused on advancing the way the world connects. From broadband communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility and public safety solutions to high-definition video and mobile devices, Motorola is leading the next wave of innovations that enable people, enterprises and governments to be more connected and more mobile. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) had sales of US $30.1 billion in 2008. For more information, please visit www.motorola.com.