MADISON, WI -- (Marketwire) -- 12/11/12 -- To support the expanding role of the network in deploying cloud services, TDS Hosted and Managed Services (TDS HMS) announced today it has achieved the Cisco Cloud and Managed Services Master Certification. This certification recognizes TDS Hosted and Managed Services as having the capabilities to sell and deliver cloud and managed services to businesses to help them accelerate time to market and time to revenue.

Additionally, the certification rewards partners for their expertise and investments for creating, selling, and delivering cloud and managed services, such as ReliaCloud™, world-wide, in all countries of legal presence with financial incentives and go-to-market benefits.

The Cisco Cloud and Managed Services Program (CMSP) certification is part of the Cisco Cloud and Managed Services Program go-to-market strategy. Its focus is on helping partners such as TDS Hosted and Managed Services envision, build, market, and sell cloud and managed services with business acceleration tools and services, sales training and the Cisco Cloud Marketplace to address the varied needs of its customers.

As a Cisco Cloud and Managed Services Master Certified Partner, TDS Hosted and Managed Services will sell and deliver at least two Cisco Powered services (managed and/or cloud services with Cisco Powered services designations), built on the IT Infrastructure Library (or ITIL) framework, and provide enhanced management and stewardship practices to its customers.

"Our enterprise customers are moving to the cloud at a rapid pace," says Phil LaForge, executive vice president and COO at TDS HMS. "As a long time Cisco partner and reseller, we are proud to have our latest cloud investments validated by Cisco, as we work to connect more customers with our new ReliaCloud offering."

The Cisco Resale Channel Program provides a framework for partners to build and showcase the sales, technical and Cisco Lifecycle Services skills required to successfully deliver Cisco solutions to end-customers. Through the program's specializations and certifications, Cisco recognizes a partner's expertise in deploying solutions based on Cisco advanced technologies and services. Using a third-party audit process, the program validates a partner's technology skills, business practices, customer satisfaction, presales and post-sales support capabilities, and other critical factors that customers consider when choosing a trusted partner.

About TDS Hosted & Managed Services
TDS Hosted & Managed Services, LLC (TDS HMS) is the parent company of OneNeck IT Services Corp., Vital Support Systems, and VISI Incorporated. TDS HMS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems Inc., a Fortune 500® company. TDS HMS is growing rapidly; now employing more than 500 people throughout the U.S. TDS HMS companies specialize in engineering and management of IT infrastructure, including: hosted application management, managed hosting, and ReliaCloud™ enterprise cloud services. TDS HMS owns and operates Tier III data centers in Iowa, Minn. and Wis. Visit oneneck.com, vitalsite.com, and visi.com for more information.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS), a Fortune 500® company, provides wireless; broadband, TV, voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately 7 million customers in 36 states through its business units, U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom and TDS Hosted & Managed Services. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, TDS employed 12,300 people as of Sept. 30, 2012. Visit teldta.com for investment information.

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