VANCOUVER, Wash., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- New Edge Networks, the business communications unit of EarthLink Inc., (Nasdaq: ELNK), today announced that Mike Schonberger has joined the company as Vice President of Sales.

Schonberger joins New Edge Networks from HyperQuality, the nation's largest call center quality assurance outsourcing company, where he developed and managed the sales organization that drove revenue by successfully targeting C-level buyers. Schonberger's previous experience includes positions as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for National Cinemedia, Vice President of Sales for Qwest Digital Media, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Williams Conferencing and sales leadership roles with Sprint.

"I am impressed by the combination of New Edge's service offerings as well as its focus on quality customer service," stated Schonberger. "In this economic environment, companies often feel they need to sacrifice one for the other. As executive-level buyers scrutinize budgets and buying decisions, price combined with value and service is more important than ever. New Edge's ability to build customer networks using multiple access technologies is a distinct value proposition and a clear competitive advantage."

Schonberger will lead the company's direct sales organization that targets multi-location business customers and leverages New Edge's capabilities to build affordable, IP-based managed networks for these companies.

"Mike brings over 25 years of experience in managing solutions-driven national sales teams with outstanding results," said New Edge Networks President Cardi Prinzi. "He has a proven track record of success in establishing executive level relationships which is crucial to New Edge's future direction."

In addition to the hiring of Schonberger, Prinzi also announced that J.R. Cook has been promoted to Vice President of the company's agent channel and will report directly to Prinzi. Rounding out the Sales and Marketing team is Greg Griffiths, New Edge's Vice President of Marketing. Prinzi explained that New Edge is segmenting its sales distribution strategy and dedicating strong sales leaders and sales/support teams to specific channels.

"The combination of J.R.'s strong leadership role in the agent community, Mike's experience, and Greg's knowledge of the industry gives New Edge the necessary focus and direction for its growth strategy in the business markets," Prinzi said.

About New Edge Networks

New Edge Networks builds and manages private IP-based wide area networks that do not use the public Internet. Connecting business sites at virtually any address in the United States, New Edge allows businesses to choose any blend of available access technologies - from DSL and T1 lines to fiber-optic connections - for building private and secure MPLS networks with performance guarantees. A wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based EarthLink Inc., (Nasdaq: ELNK), New Edge is based in Vancouver, Wash. For more information visit www.newedgenetworks.com or call 1-360-693-9009.

SOURCE New Edge Networks