WorldCom offers Web centers

Unveiling the third and final leg of its new Internet focus, WorldCom announced that midspring will see the U.S. debut of Web centers offering managed customer service support for businesses. The centers will use various technologies such as the Web and traditional phone service. Companies will not need equipment to set up Web centers and could have their own centers up and running in 30 days. WorldCom Web Center Director for E-Commerce Application Management Frank Nigro said businesses would be billed monthly based on the number of support staff needed, and they could ramp up or down that number monthly as needed. Rates have not yet been finalized. WorldCom's other two Internet areas of focus following last fall's restructuring are managed Web hosting and IP applications including virtual private networks.