NEW YORK, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) today announced that multi-year agreements were signed with AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), to manage the Corporation's global telecommunications network. These agreements will allow the Corporation greater global reach with increased network capacity and functionality at a reduced cost.

"These contracts are just one example of how we are capitalizing on our operational leverage to substantially improve the performance and efficiency of our businesses," said Harold McGraw III, chairman, president and CEO of The McGraw-Hill Companies. "The McGraw-Hill Companies is increasing the collaboration across all our operations to create new revenue generating opportunities and to increase productivity."

The new contracts are part of The McGraw-Hill Companies' global resource management initiative, which stretches across the Corporation's business units and allows the Corporation to improve efficiencies and increase operating margins. As the Corporation continues to identify and adjust to customer needs it will leverage capabilities to optimize execution and strengthen shared services capabilities.

Through the agreements with AT&T and Verizon Business, The McGraw-Hill Companies will apply its digital networks to distribute products at little incremental cost, while utilizing new technologies and distribution techniques. As part of this partnership, the Corporation is utilizing Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), which helps make possible a 40 percent increase to The McGraw-Hill Companies' network performance and at the same time lowers costs.

AT&T and Verizon Business will be responsible for The McGraw-Hill Companies' voice, data and conferencing needs. AT&T will handle North American network operations, and Verizon Business will be responsible for The McGraw-Hill Companies networks in all other locations.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies:

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 290 offices in 38 countries. Sales in 2005 were $6.0 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

Release issued: September 12, 2006

SOURCE The McGraw-Hill Companies

Contact: Contacts for The McGraw-Hill Companies Steven H. Weiss Vice President, Corporate Communications (212) 512-2247 office (917) 699-9389 mobile weissh@mcgraw-hill.com Jason Feuchtwanger Senior Manager, Media Relations (212) 512-3151 office (347) 419-4169 mobile jason_feuchtwanger@mcgraw-hill.com