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My interview with CoPilot about Lumen Technologies (LUMN)

Microsoft has been advertising CoPilot so for fun I posed some questions to CoPilot about Lumen and this is what came back. Whether CoPilot knows what it is talking about is another discussion. I have not checked CoPilot’s responses. That said it is amazing how fast the responses came back. Technology marches on. Here's how it answered my questions.

 

Q:What business products and services does lumen technology offer?

 

A:Lumen Technologies provides a range of enterprise IT solutions for businesses. Here are some of their key products and services:

  1. Networking Solutions:

  • On-Demand Connectivity: Accelerate growth with near-zero latency for 97% of U.S. business demand.

  • Edge Cloud: Dynamically scale to meet business needs with integrated compute, storage, networking, security, and orchestration.

  • Ethernet and VPN Data Networks: Reliable data networks services.

  • Legacy Services: Includes time division multiplexing voice, private line, and other legacy services.

  • Communication Equipment Sales: They also sell communication equipment.

  1. Security Solutions:

  • Automated Network Protection: Minimize operational expenses (OpEx) with automated network security.

  • Comprehensive Security Suite: Offers various security solutions.

  • Expert Consulting: Lumen provides consulting services to enhance security.

  1. Collaboration Solutions:

  • Unified Communications and Collaboration: Integrated solutions that adapt to hybrid workforces.

  1. Managed and Professional Services:

  • Advanced IT Services: Streamline operations and unleash innovation with their expertise.

Lumen Technologies aims to deliver user-friendly, intuitive, and productive technology environments for businesses1. If you have specific requirements, feel free to reach out to their team for personalized assistance!

 

Q:Do they offer cloud services?

 

A:Lumen Technologies provides cloud services, specifically through their Edge Cloud Solutions. Let me give you an overview:

  1. Edge Cloud Solutions:

  • Lumen’s Edge Cloud is an all-in-one infrastructure designed for the anywhere edge. It empowers major industries by driving productivity through various components:

  • Compute and Storage Servers: These servers handle data processing, machine learning (ML), and IoT devices.

  • Edge-first Architecture: Lumen’s approach focuses on bringing massive amounts of data compute and multi-cloud environments closer to connected devices.

  • Integrated Stack: Their edge cloud infrastructure includes compute, cloud, storage, networking, security, and orchestration.

  • Key Features:

  • Edge Data Center Hardware: Deployed in minutes.

  • On-Premises Hardware: Designed for low-latency.

  • Network with ≤5ms Latency: Ensures fast communication.

  • API-Enabled: Allows seamless integration.

  • Direct Connections to Hyperscalers: Facilitates cloud connectivity.

  • Integrated Security: Ensures data protection.

  • Owned Infrastructure + Fiber Network: Reliable and robust.

  1. Managed Cloud Services:

  1. Enterprise Cloud Services for AWS:


Q:Can they handle large-scale data analytics?

 

A:Lumen Technologies offers solutions that can handle large-scale data analytics. Let’s explore how they can assist:

  1. Edge Computing for Data Analytics:

  • Lumen’s edge cloud infrastructure is well-suited for data analytics at scale. Here’s how:

  • Low Latency: Their edge data centers are strategically located, allowing near-zero latency for processing data closer to the source.

  • Compute Power: Lumen provides powerful compute and storage servers, enabling efficient data processing.

  • API-Enabled: Integration with other services and platforms is seamless.

  • Security: Data protection and security are built into their architecture.

  • Direct Connections: Lumen offers direct connections to major cloud providers, facilitating hybrid cloud scenarios.

  1. Managed Services:

  • Lumen’s managed cloud services include monitoring, patching, and administration. They can handle the operational aspects of data analytics infrastructure.

  • For large-scale data analytics, Lumen’s expertise ensures smooth operations and scalability.

  1. Enterprise Cloud Services for AWS:

  • As an AWS Managed Service Provider, Lumen assists enterprises in leveraging AWS for data analytics.

  • They offer services like data warehousing, big data processing, and machine learning on AWS.

  1. Network Insights and Analytics:

  • Lumen’s network services provide insights into data traffic patterns, which can be valuable for analytics.

  • Real-time monitoring and reporting help optimize network performance.

In summary, Lumen Technologies combines edge computing, managed services, and cloud expertise to handle large-scale data analytics.

 

Q:What products and services does lumen technology offer residential?

 

A:Lumen Technologies, formerly known as CenturyLink, offers a variety of products and services for residential customers. Let’s explore some of their offerings:

  1. High-Speed Internet Services:

  • Fiber+ Internet: An enterprise-grade network with speeds of up to 1 Gbps. It provides reliable connectivity for residential users.

  • Internet On-Demand: Dynamic, dedicated internet ready in minutes without long-term contracts.

  • Dedicated Internet Access: Fast, direct connectivity up to 100 Gbps for scalable productivity.

  1. Voice Services:

  • Lumen provides local and long-distance voice services for residential customers.

  1. Professional Services:

  • These services may include installation, setup, and technical support.

  1. Quantum Fiber:

  • Quantum Fiber is a subscription-based, fully digital platform for delivering fiber-based products and services to residents and small businesses.

  1. Legacy Copper-Based Products:

  • Under the CenturyLink brand (which still exists), Lumen continues to offer legacy copper-based products such as broadband, voice, modems, and Wi-Fi.


Q:What industries does Lumen primarily serve?

 

A:Lumen Technologies primarily serves a diverse range of industries, providing essential services and solutions. Here are some of the key sectors they cater to:

  1. Telecommunications and Networking:

  • As a telecommunications company, Lumen offers network services, high-speed internet, and connectivity solutions to businesses and consumers.

  • They focus on providing reliable communication infrastructure for seamless data transfer.

  1. Enterprise and Business Services:

  • Lumen serves enterprises of all sizes, including Fortune 500 companies. Their services include:

  • Networking Solutions: Ethernet, VPN data networks, edge cloud, and more.

  • Managed and Professional Services: IT consulting, security, and cloud management.

  • Unified Communications and Collaboration: Solutions for efficient communication.

  • Edge Computing: Enabling data processing closer to the source.

  1. Financial Services:

  • Lumen supports financial institutions with secure data transfer, connectivity, and cloud solutions.

  • Their services help banks, credit unions, and financial firms operate efficiently.

  1. Healthcare and Life Sciences:

  • Lumen provides secure networking and data solutions for healthcare organizations.

  • Their services assist in managing patient data, telemedicine, and research.

  1. Government and Public Sector:

  • Lumen serves federal, state, and local government agencies.

  • Their solutions include secure communication networks and cloud services.

  1. Education and Research:

  • Lumen supports educational institutions with connectivity, collaboration tools, and cloud services.

  • Research organizations benefit from their data solutions.

  1. Media and Entertainment:

  • Lumen’s network infrastructure ensures smooth content delivery for media companies.

  • They provide high-speed internet and cloud services for streaming platforms.

  1. Energy and Utilities:

  • Lumen assists energy companies with secure communication and data management.

  • Their solutions contribute to efficient grid management and smart cities.

  1. Retail and E-Commerce:

  • Lumen’s services help retailers manage online platforms, inventory, and customer data.

  • They offer secure payment gateways and e-commerce solutions.

  1. Manufacturing and Industrial:

  • Lumen supports manufacturers with reliable connectivity and edge computing.

  • Industrial automation and IoT benefit from their solutions.

 

Q:How do they handle data backup and recovery?

 

A:Lumen Technologies offers robust data backup and recovery solutions to safeguard critical business data. Let’s explore how they handle this important aspect:

  1. Lumen Data Protect Backup:

  • Centralized Backups: Lumen’s Data Protect Backup centralizes, automates, and runs backups in the background without manual intervention.

  • Encryption: Backups are encrypted, ensuring the security and confidentiality of your data.

  • Scalable Capacity: You can scale backup capacity on demand, reducing upfront capital investments.

  • Easy Management: Solutions are designed for simplified operations, allowing you to “set it and forget it.”

  • Flexible Options: Choose local retention, disaster recovery, or long-term retention to tape.

  1. Infrastructure-Free and Pay-as-You-Go:

  1. Quick, Easy, and Cost-Efficient:

  • Backup and recover critical business data and applications wherever they reside.

  • Infrastructure-free and dynamically scalable to meet evolving needs.

  1. Fully Managed Service:

  • Lumen Data Protect is a turn-key solution without complex hardware.

  • Rapid deployment, flexible self-service storage options, and pay-as-you-go pricing.

In a world where data security is paramount, Lumen Technologies ensures your data remains protected and recoverable. Whether it’s on-premises, in the cloud, or at the network edge, their solutions provide peace of mind for businesses of all sizes!

 

Q:List Lumen Technology's public contracts?

 

A:Lumen Technologies has secured several significant contracts with government agencies. Here are some notable ones:

  1. U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Contract:

  • Lumen recently landed a $73.6 million contract with the GAO to transform their network, data, voice, and video connectivity.

  • This contract enables the GAO to provide timely, fact-based, non-partisan analysis and recommendations to Congress, benefiting the American people.

  1. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Contract:

  • Lumen won a $223 million contract from DISA to provide secure, mission-critical communications services to the U.S. Department of Defense.

  1. Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) Program:

  • Lumen’s contracts often fall under the General Services Administration’s EIS program.

  • These contracts support government agencies in meeting their constitutional responsibilities and improving federal government performance and accountability.

  1. Other Wins:


Q:Does Lumen Technologies work with AWS?

 

A:Lumen Technologies collaborates closely with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide a comprehensive cloud services and management portfolio. Here are the key aspects of their partnership:

  1. AWS Managed Service Provider (MSP) Partnership:

  • Lumen is an AWS Managed Service Provider Partner1.

  • As an MSP, Lumen offers expertise in managing AWS environments, ensuring efficient operations, security, and scalability for businesses.

  1. Flexible and Secure Cloud Access:

  • Together, AWS and Lumen provide flexible and secure access to the cloud for organizations.

  • Custom cloud solutions are designed to meet specific business needs.

  1. Direct, Low-Latency Access to AWS Resources:

  • Lumen enables direct, low-latency access to powerful AWS resources.

  • This connectivity is crucial for hybrid-cloud applications, seamless workload migration, and high-response experiences.

  1. Architectural Support and Migration Services:

  • Lumen assists in architecting solutions that optimize performance and cost-effectiveness.

  • They seamlessly migrate workloads to AWS, ensuring a smooth transition.

  1. Edge-to-Cloud Integration:

  • Lumen’s edge solutions are integrated with VMware and AWS.

  • This allows businesses to capitalize on private cloud security while leveraging public cloud flexibility.

In summary, Lumen Technologies and AWS work together to empower businesses with cloud solutions, managed services, and secure access to the cloud. 

 

Q:Does Lumen Technologies work with Microsoft?

 

A:Lumen Technologies has a strong partnership with Microsoft across various initiatives. Here are some key aspects of their collaboration:

  1. Microsoft Alliance and Expertise:

  • Lumen is a Microsoft Solution Partner and Certified Cloud Solution Provider (CSP).

  • Their integrated, multi-layered infrastructure supports Microsoft cloud technologies, including Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365.

  • Lumen’s expertise spans across Microsoft 365, Azure, ExpressRoute, and legacy systems like AS400 and AIX.

  1. Azure Services from Lumen:

  • Lumen assists businesses in achieving elasticity, capacity, and model-driven governance in Microsoft Azure.

  • Their services include professional consulting, implementation, migration, and managed services for networking, security, storage, and more.

  1. Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams Phone:

  • Lumen collaborates with Microsoft to launch Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams Phone.

  • This solution enhances connection and collaboration capabilities for hybrid workforces2.

  1. Microsoft 365 Copilot:

  • Lumen is beta-testing Microsoft 365 Copilot as part of the Early Access Program (EAP).

  • This deployment empowers Lumen’s approximately 30,000 employees, enhancing efficiency and customer relationships.

In summary, Lumen Technologies and Microsoft work together to modernize hybrid work environments and provide quality solutions for businesses! 

 

Q:Does Lumen Technologies work with Google?

 

A:Lumen Technologies collaborates with both Google and Microsoft to enhance their services and provide innovative solutions. Let’s explore their partnership with Google:

  1. ExaSwitch™: Optical Interconnection Ecosystem:

  • Lumen, Google, and Microsoft jointly created ExaSwitch™, a new network interconnection ecosystem.

  • This platform empowers organizations with high bandwidth needs to route their traffic dynamically and quickly between networks, without third-party intervention.

  • ExaSwitch eliminates the need for slow, legacy cross-connects and revolutionizes network interconnections.

  1. Current Participants:

  • Early adopters of ExaSwitch include Lumen, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and another large cloud provider.

  • The ecosystem will continue to strengthen as more participants join, making it easier to automate, scale, and manage capacity between members.

  1. How It Works:

  • The ExaSwitch administrator installs optical hardware at each participant’s preferred location.

  • Participants choose their own fiber source for connecting into ExaSwitch.

  • When two participants agree to connect, they can quickly join through self-provisioning or an API portal managed by the administrator.

  • Real-time capacity deployment allows easy ordering, modification, and deletion of services as needed.

  1. Key Benefits:

  • Participants configure and turn up connectivity faster than before, using a self-service portal.

  • Connections are set up in 400G increments and can be consumed on demand in 100G increments.

  • Each site is capable of up to 25.6 Tbps of optical cross-connects.

In summary, Lumen Technologies collaborates with Google to create innovative solutions like ExaSwitch, enhancing connectivity and agility for businesses!

 

 

Q:Does Lumen Technologies work with Cisco?


A:Lumen Technologies collaborates with Cisco to enhance communication and collaboration solutions. They have expanded their partnership to include a new offering called Lumen Solutions for Cisco Unified Communications Manager Cloud (UCMC). This product combines Cisco’s advanced cloud-based collaboration services with the reliability and speed of Lumen’s global fiber network. It’s an ideal solution for businesses that have already invested in Cisco Webex or are considering it. The goal is to provide flexible, agile, and efficient collaboration technologies without large capital investments or ongoing maintenance

 

Q:Does Lumen Technologies work with SAP?

 

A:Lumen Technologies collaborates with SAP to integrate SAP HANA® into the Lumen platform for businesses using SAP Business One®. This global partnership aims to simplify cloud services for small and medium-sized enterprises. Lumen will host and manage the SAP HANA infrastructure, supporting value-added resellers (VARs), channel partners, and 75,000 small and mid-market customers worldwide


Q:Does Lumen Technologies work with VMware?

 

A:Lumen Technologies collaborates closely with VMware to enhance their cloud services and infrastructure offerings. Here are some key aspects of their partnership:

  1. VMware-Certified Next-Generation Infrastructure:

  • Lumen is a Principal Partner with VMware, providing agility and flexibility in the cloud.

  • They optimize public, private, or hybrid cloud environments using best-in-class networking, infrastructure, management, and consulting.

  1. VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF):

  • Lumen offers VMware Cloud Foundation as part of their managed services.

  • VCF combines software-defined networking and vSAN storage, delivering an integrated Hyperconverged Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS).

  1. VMware Cloud Verified Provider:

  • Lumen is a VMware Cloud Verified Provider, offering world-class cloud infrastructure delivered as a service.

  • Their VMware-certified solutions ensure reliability and performance.

  1. Edge Computing and VMware Tanzu:

  • Lumen and VMware collaborate to grow edge computing capabilities.

  • Integrated VMware technologies, including VMware Tanzu, meet the demand for very low-latency applications.

  • Lumen provides a managed infrastructure-as-a-service for Kubernetes in a dedicated private cloud environment.

  1. Joint Innovation Lab:

  • Lumen and VMware are establishing a Joint Innovation Lab.

  • Their teams co-develop solutions for Lumen’s managed services, focusing on key areas:

  • Architecture and design.

  • Marketing.

  • Sales resources.

In summary, Lumen Technologies and VMware work together to drive innovation, enhance cloud services, and provide cutting-edge solutions for businesses! 

 

Q:What are Lumen Technologies strategy going forward?

 

A:Lumen Technologies has outlined a strategic plan to reposition for growth. Here are the key elements of their strategy:

  1. Securing the Base:

  • Lumen aims to enhance the customer experience by proactively investing in modernization.

  • They leverage key partnerships to help customers transition from legacy voice technologies to updated solutions like VoIP, UC&C (Unified Communications and Collaboration), VPN, and Voice Migration.

  1. Driving Commercial Excellence:

  • Lumen focuses on optimizing sales and channel productivity.

  • They monetize existing capabilities and strive for parity with market growth rates.

  1. Innovating for Growth:

  • Lumen aims to digitize the customer, employee, and partner experience.

  • Their goal is to drive better connections across the business and securely cloudify the network, ensuring seamless and faster operations.

In summary, Lumen Technologies is well-positioned to achieve revenue stability in 2024 and subsequent growth by executing this strategic plan. Their state-of-the-art fiber network and intentional investments align with growth markets while managing costs

 

Q:Is Lumen Technologoies on track for growth?


A:Lumen Technologies has been making efforts to return to growth. Here are some key points from their recent financial reports:

  • In the first quarter of 2024, Lumen Technologies reported a net income of $57 million, compared to a net income of $511 million for the first quarter of 2023.

  • The company successfully completed transactions with a broad group of creditors, strengthening their balance sheet and addressing over $15 billion of their debt and commitments.

  • They extended over $10 billion of their maturities due over the next four years to 2029 and beyond.

  • They secured access to over $2.3 billion in new liquidity to fuel their pivot to growth.

  • They generated free cash flow of $518 million for the first quarter 2024, compared to negative $75 million for the first quarter 2023.

  • The company reiterated their full-year 2024 financial outlook with the first quarter expected to be the low-point for Adjusted EBITDA.

However, it’s worth noting that the company has also faced some challenges. For instance, they reported a net loss of $1.995 billion for the fourth quarter of 2023They also announced a slowdown in their build pace to 500,000 new locations in 2024, down from the 800,000 they were originally targeting.

In summary, while Lumen Technologies has faced some financial challenges, they have also taken significant steps to strengthen their financial position and fuel future growth. As always, it’s important to conduct thorough research or consult with a financial advisor when evaluating the growth prospects of a company. Please note that this information is based on the most recent data available and may not reflect the current state of the company. For the most accurate information, please refer to the company’s official financial statements or recent news releases.

 

Q:How does Lumen compare to its industry peers?


A:Lumen Technologies (LUMN) operates in the Technology Services industry. Let’s take a closer look at how Lumen compares to its industry peers based on various metrics:

1.      Zacks Industry Rank: Lumen Technologies has a Zacks Industry Rank in the top 38% out of 252 companies within the Technology Services sector1. This indicates that it is positioned relatively well compared to its peers.

2.      Price and Earnings Metrics:

  1. Price/Earnings (TTM): Lumen’s trailing twelve months (TTM) price-to-earnings ratio is 6.37, which is lower than the industry median of 20.63.

  2. Price/Book (MRQ): The price-to-book ratio for Lumen (MRQ) stands at 2.93, compared to the industry median of 1.75.

  3. Price/Cash Flow (MRFY): Lumen’s price-to-cash flow ratio (MRFY) is 0.38, significantly lower than the industry median of 11.32.

3.      Growth Rates:

  1. This Year: Lumen’s growth rate for this year is -220.00%, while the industry median is 18.70%.

  2. Next Year: The projected growth rate for Lumen next year is -33.33%, compared to the industry median of 23.10%.

  3. Last 5 Years: Over the past five years, Lumen’s growth rate was -32.20%, whereas the industry median was 7.40%.

  4. Next 5 Years: The next five years’ growth rate for Lumen is not available (NA), while the industry median is 17.80%.

4.      Financials:

  1. Net Profit Margin (TTM): Lumen’s net profit margin (TTM) is -70.74%, compared to the industry median of -11.83%.

  2. Return on Equity (TTM): Lumen’s return on equity (TTM) is 4.85%, while the industry median is -5.69%.

  3. Debt to Equity (MRQ): Lumen’s debt-to-equity ratio (MRQ) is not available (NA), whereas the industry median is 0.00.

In summary, Lumen Technologies has a lower price-to-earnings ratio and price-to-cash flow ratio compared to its industry peers. However, its net profit margin is significantly lower. Investors should consider these metrics along with other relevant factors when evaluating Lumen’s performance relative to its peers. Keep in mind that stock prices can be volatile, and industry comparisons are subject to market dynamics and company-specific developments. Always verify with real-time data for accurate information

 

 Q:Are Lumen Technology insiders purchasing stock?

 

A:Let’s take a look at recent insider trading activity for Lumen Technologies (LUMN):

  1. Insider Ownership:

  • Approximately 1.68% of Lumen Technologies stock is owned by insiders.

  • This indicates that insiders have a vested interest in the company’s success.

  1. Recent Insider Buying:

  • Over the last 24 months, several insiders have purchased LUMN shares:

  • Christopher Stansbury bought shares worth $550,000.00.

  • James Fowler made purchases totaling $199,280.00.

  • Kathleen E Johnson acquired shares worth $1,929,850.00.

  • Other insiders, including Martha Helena BejarSteven T Clontz, and T Michael Glenn, also participated in buying.

  1. Congressional Trades:

  • Daniel S. Goldman (D-NY) sold shares of Lumen Technologies in the last year, totaling $8,000.

In summary, there has been significant insider buying activity, demonstrating confidence in Lumen Technologies’ future prospects.

 

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