Less Is More and Leads To Innovation, Verizon Wireless Speaker Advises Computerworld Audience

PALM DESERT, CA — Seven years ago, Verizon Wireless was formed by merging four major regional wireless companies into one national provider with no fewer than 150 major computer applications to run the business – today there are fewer than 30.

"Streamlining applications and establishing consistent processes by focusing on what was critical to business success is what has helped Verizon Wireless to become an innovator and the leader in its field," Verizon Wireless vice president & CIO Midwest Area Ajay Waghray said in his presentation at the 8th Annual Computerworld IT Leaders Conference today.

"Optimization and consistency set a solid foundation for customer-centric innovation. Learning to process the less critical things out – giving managers more time to focus on what is important – enables companies to grow profitably and compete," said Waghray. "If it doesn't improve the customer experience, then it's not worth doing."

This year, Verizon Wireless will complete conversion of its billing systems onto one platform that will make it easier for customer service representatives in any of the company's 2,200 Communications Stores or 33 call centers nationwide to address customer questions no matter where the customers are located.

"Like many large IT departments in major businesses, we receive hundreds of requests for new programs and applications. Our companywide 'Customers First' mantra provides us all with the focus we need for aligning our priorities with the company's overarching goals," said Waghray.

Verizon Wireless is committed to providing its customers with the best in service across all fronts, from enterprise mobility solutions like "Field Force Manager" to cutting-edge products and services such as V CAST Music and V CAST Mobile TV and account self-service through the handset. Verizon Wireless continues to set the standard for innovation.

For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving more than 59 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 65,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.  

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