AAPT buys AT&T EasyLink Service

AAPT has acquired e-commerce specialist AT&T EasyLink Services Australia (AT&T ELS).

AAPT will rebrand AT&T ELS as AAPT@commerce, and will use it in conjunction with its ISP, connect.com.au, to deliver business to business e-commerce solutions.

"This acquisition is the latest milestone in AAPT's strategy to rapidly bring to market major innovations and services that build on our own infrastructure and capabilities. AAPT@commerce will be the platform for our ongoing e-commerce services in the business-to-business sector," said Steve Picton, group director, strategic development, AAPT.

"With our ownership of Connect, Australia's third-largest ISP, we are already building on the opportunities created by Connect's technical IP expertise. Connect's business-to-consumer product, Intershop, combined with AAPT@commerce will enable us to develop a comprehensive e-commerce business solution across all markets," Picton said.

AT&T ELS was formerly owned by AT&T, Qantas and CSC. According to Andrea Galloway, who heads up AT&T's Australian operation, "AT&T ELS has been an excellent investment for AT&T; however, we are now refocusing our strategy on the global needs of our multinational customers."

David Glavonjic, CEO, AT&T ELS Australia,will remain at the helm of AAPT@commerce. He commented that his organisation's existing customers will benefit from AAPT's infrastructure and products.