ARMONK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 14, 2008 -- IBM (IBM - News) today announced a services agreement to provide Cincinnati Bell (CBB - News) with strategy consulting services.

Cincinnati Bell, headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, provides integrated communications solutions including local, long distance, data, Internet and wireless services that help keep residential and business customers connected with each other and with the world. It also provides businesses ranging in size from start-up to large enterprises with efficient, scalable office communications systems as well as complex information technology solutions including data center and managed services.

"Anticipating and benefiting from change is key in the business world today and especially critical for the telecommunications industry," said Brian Ross, Chief Operating Officer, Cincinnati Bell. "With its extensive industry expertise, and a healthy change management track record of its own, choosing IBM as a business advisor makes perfect sense as we continue to meet our customers changing needs."

Under the contract, IBM will draw on its organization, process and technology expertise to develop a strategic roadmap for Cincinnati Bell as it continues to transform its business to best meet the demands and opportunities of a converged communications services market.

"As evidenced in our recent Global CEO Study, adapting business models in the face of the increasing rate of change is high on the agenda for CEOs today," said Eric Riddleberger, Partner, Strategy & Change, IBM Global Business Services. "IBM is excited to have the opportunity to work with Cincinnati Bell as a trusted business advisor and help them develop new innovative ways to add value to their organization."

About Cincinnati Bell

For more information on Cincinnati Bell, visit www.cincinnatibell.com

About IBM

For more information on IBM, visit www.ibm.com

     Media Contact:
     Linda Hanson Hunt
     IBM Corp.
     914-766-2015
     lindah@us.ibm.com