Conclusion

WINDSTREAM IS HERE TO STAY !

Team 3’s statement ...

Yesterday’s conversation with Richard Crane, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Windstream Communications, Little Rock, Arkansas, brought validity to our statement. “As Windstream continues to report higher earnings each quarter, we will look for companies that fit within our niche, and continue expansion via mergers and aquisitions. We will continue to offer our three core products, landline voice, broadband and video to customers in rural areas, and at the same time look for something entirely new. We will be the makers of a new type of information technology that no one else has, keeping Windstream Communications on the cutting edge and competitive with our biggest competitor… cable. Experiential marketing strategies will continue to be utilized to deliver our key message “Your Landline is Your Lifeline,” as demonstrated with our company icon the “Windstream Green Truck.”

The truck moves from state to state “growing and connecting,” and informing and reminding people of our proud legacy serving mostly rural customers, combining strong financial performance with quality products, reliable services and exceptional customer service.” In the eyes of our team, Windstream, a corporation with the right business and pricing strategy, the right marketing mix, superb technology, ethically and socially responsible, and whose goal is to have more than one million broadband customers by year end ….. is definitely here to stay!

Technology

HARDWARE CATEGORIES:

Categories of Windstream's hardward include: telecommunications devices and connecting devices for Broadband, Digital TV, Phone and Home Networking. Equipment examples such as a free Broadband modem, a Digital TV's HD DVR with the largest recording capacity in the industry. A Home Networking Router, Wireless G PCI Adapter is a wireless card that connects your remaining desktop computers to the network via an expansion slot. Features plug-and-play installation. Note: An adapter is needed for each desktop connection to your home network. Speed 802.11 g. A Etherfast 10/100 LAN Card is primarily used with desktop computers to provide a way for users to connect to Ethernet networks or broadband routers. Features plug-and-play installation and 10/100 transmission speed. Plus get Wake-On-LAN management so you can power on your PC from anywhere. Speed 802.11b or 802.11g, and a Wireless G Range Expander gets you better coverage for your wireless network because this device bounces the signal to remote devices from your wireless access point/router. It's perfect for multi-story homes, warehouses, wireless hotspots and outdoor venues where your signal may be weak. Speed 802.11g

Windstream also supplies uncomplicated telephones as well as headsets. Switches are at the core of all networks. Ethernet over Copper is the solution for delivery of Transparent LAN services. Windstream also provides customers with accessories to enhance internet usage. These accessories can be found HERE

Communications Server 1000, gives customers the benefits of a converged network, advanced applications and over 450 telephony features. The CS1000 supports applications such as unified messaging, customer contact center, IVR and IPphones. Siemens brings award-winning solutions to meet the needs of large businesses with the HiPath 4000. This system provides a highly resilient IP Convergence platform that works in every network environment including circuit, packet and mixed.

COMPUTER BRANDS & TYPES:

Windstream services and/or products are compatible with most any brand of computer and can be utilized on PC’s and notebooks. For example, with the Wireless G USB Adapter, you can add any notebook or desktop PC with a USB port to your wireless network. Share a broadband Internet connection, files, printers and other peripherals with PCs on your network, and transfer data at speeds up to 54Mbps--that's five times faster than 802.11b networks, speed 802.11g.

Also, for laptops computers, you can use either a Wireless B Notebook Adapter (Speed 802.11 b) or a Wireless G Notebook Adapter (speed 802.11 g), which is a wireless card that connects a laptop to the network. Both adapters feature the plug-and-play installation. Note: An adapter is needed for each laptop connection to your home network.

HARDWARE & SOFTWARE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Windstream Communications state the company is not responsible for your equipment, hardware, or software.

However Windstream does have a Tech team available 24/7. From file transfers to software installations, the Windstream TechHelp provides instant help with problem diagnosis, setup, repair, and ongoing support for a fee of course.


TYPES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE USED & SOLD:
Windstream features a Wireless G Broadband Gateway system which is a gateway for Home Networking. It's a 2 Wire 2701HG wireless and comes with a built in firewall and 64-bit WEP encryption. The gateway also comes with encryption enabled, providing additional protection for wireless home networks. It's compatible with current 802.11b hotspots (at 11Mbsp). Also, it is expected that most 802.11b hotspots will quickly convert to 802.11g. Interoperates with 802.11b networks (at 11Mpbs). Incompatible with 802.11a. System software handles technology management tasks and coordinates the interaction of all your technology devices. Here you will find both operating system software and utility software. The operating system software controls your application software and manages how your hardward devices work together.

Windstream'S Security Suite’s software is utility software that adds additional functionality to your operating system, such as: it offers powerful protection and is technology from McAfee, Inc. (HORIZONTAL). PC Check & Connect software is for a PC health report, version 1.9.1 used for Windows. (HORIZONTAL)

BRANDS OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE:

Application software executes your specific programs and tasks. Windstream Communications utilizes both vertical market software (unique to its industry) and horizontal software (general enough to be suitable for use in a variety of industries).

Two software examples are: BroadbandFree Browser software. Broadband refers to telecommunication in which a wide band of frequencies is available to transmit information. (HORIZONTAL)

Call Accounting Software is an industrial strength, fast and reliable call accounting software package for monitoring and reporting telephone call activity. This Windstream uses Call Accounting Software which allows businesses to control costs by identifying where waste occurs. It gives businesses the information needed to optimize performance and cost effectiveness of individual communication systems. At the same time, consumers will be able to fight the increasing risk of fraud and internal abuse of communications resources. This system allows the allocation of communication costs by department and prevents fraudulent use of telephones, improves customer service by measuring call answering times, restrict access to certain Web sites, monitor use of e-mail systems, track call costs for mobile phones and produce integrated management reports for all communications types. It's a key business tool that provides companies with the tracking ability it needs to run efficiently. (VERTICAL)

A Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is an on-site telephone system that will connect your organization to the public switched telephone network. It is a smaller version of the phone company's larger central switching office. With it, large businesses will gain all the advantages of the Internet without the danger of Internet viruses and hackers. This system works for all diverse organizations and was created to increase employee productivity, streamline business operations and costs and provide unmatched customer service.

NETWORK:

Windstream utilizes a local area network (LAN) for geographically contiguous areas. A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link.

Grant Raney oversees Windstream's network engineering and customer communications and entertainment operations throughout its 16-state territory. Raney also manages the network operations center and call center operations, which includes assignment, dispatch, repair and broadband technical support.

Frank Schueneman is responsible for the planning, engineering and operation of Windstream's wireline network throughout its 16-state territory.

In this photo we see Transport Technicians, Dean Busch (left) and Bryan Guern, connect a new virtual, local area network (LAN) router that allows Windstream to offer business customers another broadband service option.

INTERFACE:

Windstream utilizes an Ethernet (10,100, or 10/100 Mbps) Network Interface Cards (NIC). For example, when the expansion card is properly installed in your computer, it then connects your computer to a network and provides the doorway for information to flow in and out.

COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA:

For wired solutions, Windstream Communications utilizes optical fiber. It's the fastest and most secure path over which information travels in a network. Other wired options that transmit information over a closed, connected path are coaxial cable or twisted-air cable.

COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE:

For wireless solutions, Windstream Communications uses satellite for Internet services, and also satellite for their digital television services through Dish Network Satellite. A satellite dish is used for long distances and transmits information through the air. Also, Windstream phones are compatible with Blue Tooth Cell Phone Technology. Bluetooth is only for very short distances as opposed to Microwave which has short and medium distances.

CONNECTING DEVICES & COMPONENTS:

Windstream utilizes connecting devices to connect all your hardware devices to each other. Equipment examples: In-Line Microfilter, Wall-jack filter, DB-9 connector for Management Cable · RJ-45 Connector, Power Cable, Phone cord, Phone jack, Ethernet cable · ConnectStream Secure Routers: Windstream currently distributes Cisco 67x routers for DSL access. Because these routers run NAT (Network Address Translation) DSLcustomers are less vulnerable to hacking attempts. In simple terms, NAT means that the IP address is delivered to the router, and not to the PC itself. Therefore,it is more difficult for hackers to reach your PC (although not impossible). EfficientSpeedstream 5660 router for Static IP configurations, EfficientSpeedstream 5660 router for Bridge Configurations with the Efficient Speedstream 5660 Router Management Interface.

WINDSTREAM'S INTERNET CONNECTIONS & SPEEDS:

The internet is a vast network of computers that connects millions of people all over the world accelerating e-commerce business initiatives. "Windstream experienced a four-fold increase in internet usage in 2007 as our broadband customer base grew 28% year-over-year. This network upgrade allows us to offer faster speeds at greater distances, enabling customers to accomplish more in less time through a dedicated internet connection at a great value." --- Rick Crane, Exec. VP & CMO. At Windstream you can choose the internet speed you need—1.5, 3.0 or 6.0 or 12.0 (click here) for Windstream's unbeatable download & upload speeds

Here are the System Requirements for Windstream's Internet Services

Windows Users
Minimum	Recommended
Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP	Windows XP
64megs RAM	128megs RAM
50megs Disk Space	80megs Disk Space
200mhz processor	300mhz processor

Macintosh Users
Minimum	Recommended
OS v9, OS X	OS X
64megs RAM	128megs RAM
60megs Disk Space	60megs Disk Space
333mhz G3	867mhz G4

Here are connecting instructions:

Click on the 'DNS Configuration' tab. ·> Select "Enable DNS" Host: Enter a hostname ·> (can be anything you choose. Put 'mycomputer' if you choose.) ·> Domain: Enter "Windstream.net" ·> DNS Server Search order: ·> Windstream Internet subscribers: Enter 166.102.165.11, Click Add ·> Enter 166.102.165.13, Click Add

VOICE OVER IP:

Windstream’s Voice over IP (VoIP) : a new product that will be available soon. As such, it will allow you to send voice communications over the internet and avoid the toll charges that you would normally receive from your long-distance carrier.

THE FOUR PRINCEIPLES OF NETWORK SECURITY:

Windstream’s Speedstream 5200 Firewall provides protection against threats to Confidentiality, Authenticity and Integrity. Confidentiality is the information that can only be obtained by those authorized to access it. Authenticity is information that really comes from the source it claims to come from preventing threats. Integrity is information that has not been altered. Windstream’s services are available 24/7, support and call centers are also available 24/7 for customers.

Windstream.com is the domain name that locates the Windstream Communications organization on the Internet.






FILES

On-line files that are used at Windstream Communications are primarily related to the customer’s ordering of products or services. General information fields request the following information (EXAMPLE).

DATABASE

As a telecommunication company Windstream uses a variety of databases to meet their business initiatives. Some of the database software Windstream uses include CADE, WFM, MIROR, WOMS, JD Edwards EnterpriseOne (JDE OneWorld), Microsoft Access, as well as ORACLE and SQL Server for internet. Access is used on a small scale in the office environment for various reports. However, the other Data Base Management Systems (DBMS) are used on a much broader scale to manage large databases that include various customer and employee information as well as strategic sales statistics.

Cindy Nash, is the Senior Vice President of Information Technology and is responsible for the management and delivery of information technology services, including application support and production services, for Windstream's communications and entertainment services operations throughout its 16-state territory. An intricate part of Nash’s job is to oversee the Data Base Administrators. Nash also oversees the company's business processes and training. Nash holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Northeast Louisiana University and an executive MBA from the University of Texas.

Managers can run reports via databases for addresses, accounts payable, sales order management, purchase order management, inventory management and accident reports. A data mart is being used to allow workers access to smaller and more manageable databases based on department needs. This data mart supports the data-mining tool, query-and-reporting. Windstream’s data warehousing environment supports a simple and easy-to-use data manipulation subsystem tool Structured Query Language (SQL). These types of tools are used to generate queries and reports.

OLAP, online analytical processing, is software that uses data to help support and make business decisions. Windstream uses PeopleSoft Enterprise Performance Management software. PeopleSoft delivers a Profitability Management analytics solution for the communication industry. This solution utilizes network usage data from call detail records (CDR), as well as actual costs to acquire, activate, service, and bill a customer to help Windstream understand the true profitability of a customer segment. Motive, a leading supplier of broadband management software is used by Windstream. Motive software automatically diagnoses and resolves common customer service issues, ensuring a more satisfying user experience. In addition, Motive software allows Internet service representatives (ISRs) at Windstream’s call center to provide better service to customers by providing them with data to quickly pinpoint and resolve issues.

DATABASE WAREHOUSE

Windstream's database warehouse is a logical collection of information gathered from many different operational databases used to create business intelligence that supports business analysis activities and decision making tasks.

DATA MARTS

This is a subset of a data warehouse in which only a focused portion of the data warehouse information is kept. For example, Windstream's Yellow Pages contains summaries of all the information that Windstream Communications organizationwide tracks. Creating a data mart just for Windstream's Yellow Pages provides a quick, flexible way to analyze key demographics and help the company streamline the creation and distribution of directory coveage area maps to its adveritsing sales force.

DATA MINING

Windstream Yellow Pages relies on Pitney Bowes MapInfo for superior location intelligence solutions utilizing query-and-reporting tools, intelligent agents, multidimensional analysis tools and statistical tools. For example, through location intelligence, Windstream uses location data to plan, maintain and service their wireline, wireless, cable and electric utility networks.

SOFTWARE

The data mining software called MapInfo is provided by Pitney Bowes. Use of the data mining software allows Windstream to have knowledge about it's customers, competitors, business partners, it's competitive environment, and it's own internal operations giving the company the ability to make effective, important, and often strategic business decisions.

DATA MINING RESPONSIBILTY

A database administrator is responsible for the more technical and operational aspects of managing the information contained in organizational information repositories, ie. databases, data warehouse, and data marts.

Business Strategy

Niche/Differentiation is the business strategy Windstream Communications utilizes. As such, Windstream sustains its rural focus selling traditional landline and long distance phone service while emphasizing broadband Internet service and digital television. Also, Windstream is working to bundle services as it strives to increase rural market penetration. Though Windstream's most basic offering is traditional landline phone service, the company is in good position to be profitable for many years due to their reliance on less populated areas for the company's foundation. Windstream plans include doubling broadband speed for its 871,000 Internet customers.

Windstream continued concentrating on rural areas and acquired a significant new company, CT Communications of North Carolina for $585 million. This acquistion nearly doubled the company’s presence in rural NC with the addition of 132,000 access lines and 31,000 broadband customers.

“We’ve passed the point where our typical customers were techies who wanted high-speed access to do the latest and greatest things online. We’ve now moved into adoption by a customer base that includes my mother, who knows very little about what to do with her PC.” ---Dave Fritz, Sr. VP Technologies. Windstream's big challenge in growing the broadband market is to effectively serve the needs of customers who are relatively non-technical.

Porters’ Five Forces Model

Buyer power - low
As a telecommunications company, Windstream reduces it's customer's buyer power by offering it's customers any internet speed for $19.99 a month for 22 months with qualifying services provided a customer switches from cable internet. This creates a competitive advantage by making it more attractive for customers to buy from Windstream rather than their competition. Also, Windstream is filling in gaps where larger internet, telephone and cable providers do not offer service. Windstream incurs the cost of the installation for the fiber in the infrastructure-building stages of subdivisions being built and then offers its services to the residents once their home is complete.

Supplier power - high
Dish Network is one of Windstream's suppliers and as a large company, can easily change the power structure of Windstream.

Threat of substitute products or services - low
Windstream eliminates the threat of substitute products or services of other companies equipment, because they cannot be hooked up to the Windstream fiber. Windstream has not only created an advantage by locating alternative supply sources but it has also made it difficult for the competition to gain access to new customers. By using this strategy, the convenience as well as the economic advantage makes a customer reluctant to switch to another provider. The switching cost although not always monetary would not be worthwhile to the customer. By already having the fiber optics installed in ones home, free of charge reduces the threat of substitute services looking appealing. Windstream in effect created a “cost” to the customer to switch to another provider.

Threat of new entrants - low
Windstream eliminates the threat of new entrants having several entry barriers that would make it difficult for new competitors to enter into the market. Windstream offers bundles at a flat rate. A bundle can include internet/broadband service, phone (local and long distance), digital TV as well as the necessary equipment. Also, Windstream has an agreement with EchoStar Communications Dish Network to provide TiVo® services. In order to provide customers with the technology needed to meet growing needs, Windstream has partnered with Nortel and Siemens. These alliances give Windstream an advantage and make it difficult for new competition to contend.

Rivalry among existing competitors - high
Rivalry among existing competitors in the telecommunications industry is intensely fierce. Windstream competitors are primarily in the fixed-line vice services providers industry. Windstream also competes in the data services, and telecommunications equipment distribution and support sectors. Windstream competitive landscape includes: AT&T and Verizon

BUSINESS INITIATIVES

Grow and transform are business initiatives being used and considered at Windstream. For instance, Windstream is a new company and is focusing more of its efforts on the "grow" initiative. For example, acquisition of CT Communications of North Carolina. Also, doubling the companies presence in NC increased it's market reach and expanded it's market shares. Transform initiatives include Windstream's plans for doubling it's broadband speed for its 871,000 Internet customers. Both of these initiatives gives Windstream a top-line competitive advantage.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Acquiring and retaining customers are the basic objectives of any organization, Windstream chose Motive High-Speed Data Solutions software for its’ CRM. Motive software automatically diagnoses and resolves common customer service issues, which instantly boosts the customer experience. "Call center reps are armed with the know-how to explain how to quickly and easily download the Motive solution or how to use it on Windstream's portal." ---Dave Fritz, Sr. VP Technologies

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
ERP systems help companies become leaner by integrating the basic transaction programs for all departments, allowing quick access to timely information. Utilizing Oracle and SAP software, BearingPoint, Inc., one of the world’s largest management and technology consulting firms, completed an extensive financial management system overhaul for Windstream. Previously, much of the organization’s processes, risks, controls and testing documentation were supported by aging software tools for audit operations. Windstream knew it needed to integrate seamlessly a supported, automated compliance system with their Oracle E-Business Suite and engaged BearingPoint to implement the Oracle Internal Controls Manager (OICM).

Supply Chain Management (SCM)
SCM tracks inventory and information among business process and across companies. Windstream Supply, Inc. is an innovative distributor of Carrier Access telecommunications products & services. Windstream Supply offers solutions to the technical, logistic, and financial challenges facing today's communications providers.

Windstream Supply also offers the wired and wireless products needed to deliver voice, data and video applications. Windstream will continue to serve customers with value, integrity, and passion.


Business Intelligence (BI )
Knowledge about your customers, your competitors, your business partners, your competitive environment, and your own internal operations gives any company the ability to make effective, important, and often strategic business decisions. MapInfo provided Windstream's Yellow Pages with a quick, flexible way to analyze key demographics and help the company streamline the creation and distribution of directory coveage area maps to its adveritsing sales force.

Through location intelligence, communications providers all over the world use location data to plan, maintain and service their wireline, wireless, cable and electric utility networks. They rely on Pitney Bowes MapInfo for superior location intelligence solutions.

E-COLLABORATION

Workflow Systems: Workflow defines all the steps of business rules, from beginning to end, required for a business process. Web-based AIM is the leading solution in the market today offering automation, business workflow, and analytics for a company's management of costs, while delivering a return on investment in less than 12 months. Razorsight Corporation, a market leader and innovator of on-demand Spend Analytics and Payables Automation software, announced it was selected by Windstream to fully automate its spend management and analytics functions. With Razorsight's AIM Analytics, Windstream will gain a fully automated network cost management solution to support its expanding communications and entertainment business including voice, broadband and video services for consumers and businesses.

Social Network Systems: Social network systems are IT systems that link you to people you know and, from there, to people your contacts know. Windstream utilizes two social network systems, MySpace and Facebook

e-COMMERCE BUSINESS MODELS

(B2B & B2C)

E-commerce, the buying and selling of products and/or services on-line, is accelerated and enhanced by Windstream's information technology, particularly their internet speeds referenced below. For example, Windstream's bundled e-commerce tools offer the ability to build your own e-store and accept real-time credit card payments online. Geared toward businesses (B2B) that want a full-featured website, customer communication tools, along with the ability to sell their products and services online. E-commerce continues to break down business barriers such as time, geography, language, currency and culture. Windstream features an all professional software package

INTERNET: The internet is a vast network of computers that connects millions of people all over the world accelerating e-commerce business initiatives. "Windstream experienced a four-fold increase in internet usage in 2007 as our broadband customer base grew 28% year-over-year. This network upgrade allows us to offer faster speeds at greater distances, enabling customers to accomplish more in less time through a dedicated internet connection at a great value." --- Rick Crane, Exec. VP & CMO (click here) for Windstream's unbeatable download & upload speeds

For both (B2B) and (B2C) e-commerce business models, Windstream includes mass customization (product tailoring) to sustain it's competitive advantages.

• Products: Windstream offers its customers the opportunity to tailor product packages and/or services: DISH Network Satellite TV, Broadband & Dial-up, Local and Long Distance Phone, and Premise Equipment.
• Prices: Windstream's objective is obtaining the highest quality products and services for their customers at the best possible prices. Therefore, Windstream and its suppliers work together to encourage exceptional standards of service and performance.

DEMAND AGGREGATION: Pennsylvania's broadband initiatives are combining the purchase requests from multiple buyers into a single large order, this practice is known as demand aggregation. Windstream's targeted customers are typically located in the rural areas. Windstream provides communities with resources to overcome the challenges that are typically associated with low population density and physical remoteness from larger urban centers. By creating a local recognition for the need and the benefits of telecommunications connectivity and by aggregating the demand for services, Windstream aims to make broadband availability a nearer-term reality, and particularly for rural and underserved areas.

Pennsylvania is home to one of the country’s most aggressive broadband deployment commitments - by 2015, and as early as 2008, every city, town and village will have access to broadband service, even in the most rural areas. As such, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has information on its website explaining about the Broadband Initiative (Businesses) in Pennsylvania.

Programs such as the Business Attraction and Retention Program (BARP) - provides links to participating companies, which include Windstream Communications. Also, through the BARP program, the DCED is aggregating demand and assistsing with the deployment of broadband to qualifying businesses via Windstream Communications.

MARKETING MIX:

Windstream's marketing mix for both the Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) business models include promotional marketing tools such as advertisements through internet ads and search engines, magazines, newspapers, point of sale, promo green truck tours, on-line videos, public relations, television, and word of mouth.

ON-LINE ADS / BANNER ADS: Online ads are small advertisements that appear on other sites. For example, an internet promo entitled "Eating away at Time Warner Cable's phone service offering and replacing it with the benefits of Windstream" features the Windstream Telecom Banner ad. Also, Windstream utilizes an Internet microsite for the green truck promotional tours providing consumers with information about tour stops, show a photo gallery with event images and give product and service information that would lead consumers to the windstream.com site. This promotional initiative increases brand awareness through the truck tours provided Windstream with an opportunity to personally educate communities across the country about the safety and security of landline phones. Additionally, it gave them a chance to promote their phone, broadband and digital TV products and services with a personal touch.
Other on-line advertising promotions include You Tube videos such as: WINDSTREAM "GREENSTREAKIN" RAP VIDEO , WINDSTREAM GREEN TRUCK REMODEL , Make Money Online Trading Stock Symbol WIN 20080312 , Informational Twinsburg Windstream Internet speed test

INTERNET SEARCH ENGINES: Any web surfer can find out information about the Windstream company's products or services on most any search engine including Ask, google, live search, lycos, MSN and yahoo.

PAYMENT SYSTEMS:

Windstream utilizes two payment systems. For the Business-to-Business (B2B) e-commerce customers the payment system is called the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). This is good for direct computer-to-computer transfer of transaction information contained in standard business documents, such as invoices and purchase orders, in a standard format.

For the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce customers, the payment system is called the Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (EBPP) system. This system sends bills over the Internet and provides an easy-to-use button click to pay, such as: Auto Pay: You can register to view and pay your bill online, setting-up recurring monthly payments from your credit card, debit card or checking account. Other Windstream Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce payment methods are: Pay by Phone: You can call Windstream to pay your bill by using either credit card, debit card or electronic check. The electronic check allows you to send money from your checking or savings account to another person or organization. Also, some debit cards are implementations of the smart card concept; containing an embedded chip on which digital information can be stored and updated.