AFP joins Connect Program

Agence France Presse (AFP), the global news agency known for delivering fast, accurate, in-depth coverage of events shaping our world, today announced its further commitment to innovation by joining the ng Connect Program, the multi-industry open innovation ecosystem founded by Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) to create the new connected user experience.

AFP is a leading news organization reporting accurately and promptly on the significant stories taking place around the world. As a member of the ng Connect Program, AFP will participate in discussions on how technology is transforming industries, including the media industry, and how to adopt advances in ultra-high bandwidth connectivity, multimedia and cloud computing. AFP will also work with the other members to help identify new business opportunities and develop service concepts to showcase how the news industry can take advantage of next generation technologies.

“Innovation is a key component of AFP’s strategic mission, and with membership in the ng Connect Program we have the opportunity to further the development of new concepts we can bring to the field for reporting or to connect with our end users,” said Gilles Tarot, Marketing Director for AFP North America. “As the media ecosystem continues to evolve and with disruptive technologies reshaping our industry, we need to work with technology leaders and others from industries we aren’t typically exposed to, to develop new products that will enhance our business.”

“We’re excited to have AFP, a leading international news agency, join the ng Connect Program and add new insight into the media industry and how we can work together to help innovate and integrate the news into our connected worlds,” said Jason Collins, Vice President of Emerging Technology and Innovation for Alcatel-Lucent, founder of the ng Connect Program. “We look forward to working with AFP and bringing their expertise into our diverse landscape as we continue our mission to drive the new connected experience.”

About The ng Connect Program:

The ng Connect Program is the collaborative open innovation engine that explores and creates the new generation connected user experience. Engaging with its dynamic multi-industry membership, it drives relevance and revenue generation for the entire digital value chain. Founded by Alcatel-Lucent, the ng Connect Program is comprised of more than 60 members including leading network, consumer electronics, application and content providers. Together, ng Connect members have developed 20 innovative service concepts across a wide range of industries including automotive, retail and entertainment.

For a full list of members please visit:http://www.ngconnect.org/members/index.htm.

For more information on the ng Connect Program, visit:www.ngconnect.org.