Enterprises turning to next-generation solutions

08 September 2009:

  • Cable&Wireless sees growth of next-generation solution customers with six major enterprise deals signed this year. Customers include; Ericsson, General Healthcare Group, Manchester Airport Group, National Grid, Office for Criminal Justice Reform (OCJR) and Regus
  • Managed Video Conferencing, Fixed-Mobile Convergence and Cable&Wireless' Multi Service Platform driving an increase in demand for next-generation technology solutions

03 September 2009: Cable&Wireless Worldwide is seeing increasing demand from enterprise customers for managed services utilising next-generation technology IP based solutions. Six new major enterprise customers have signed up to these solutions so far this year.

Cable&Wireless' Managed Video Conferencing (MVC) service allows enterprises to cut business travel costs, minimise the corporate carbon footprint and improve productivity, and this has formed the basis of framework agreements with Regus and the Office for Criminal Justice Reform (OCJR).

In April, Cable&Wireless announced a £32 million framework agreement that will see it equip Regus offices in 14 world business capitals with MVC equipment, enabling businesses to access the benefits of the solution without capital investment as well as helping address their green agenda. In June, an agreement with the OCJR was signed to enable an innovative transformation of the criminal justice system. The MVC solution will support the UK's Virtual Courts trial; connecting police custody suites to magistrates courts as well as linking prisons to courts and the probation service. This solution will increase productivity and improve the delivery of criminal justice.

Enterprise demand for converged next-generation networking has also increased as companies look for reliable, secure and cost effective wide area networking solutions.

The National Grid contracted Cable&Wireless in a £207 million, 15 year agreement, formed of two separate deals to deliver its core operational network and its wider telecommunications infrastructure. Cable&Wireless was chosen as the strategic partner as it offered National Grid all the assurances it needed in terms of customer service, resilience and security. Other major next-generation networking contracts were signed with Manchester Airport Group and General Healthcare Group during May, with both organisations adopting Cable&Wireless' Multi Service Platform (MSP) solution on account of its reliability and operational effectiveness.

In June, Cable&Wireless announced Ericsson as a Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) customer. Ericsson has adopted the UK's only FMC service, based on low-power GSM base stations, at its major UK technology site in Coventry, enabling 600 employees to embrace true mobile working. Employees can now use a single device with the mobile acting as a landline on-site and seamlessly roaming onto the mobile network when outside. Indoor coverage will also be enhanced in former dead-spots such as lifts and basements.

Philip Grannum, Managing Director, Enterprise, Cable&Wireless Worldwide commented: "It's encouraging to see that, despite the economic conditions, enterprise customers continue to see the potential of next-generation IP-networking as a way to improve productivity and help them manage their way through the recession. We understand the business challenges our customers face and offer them not only the solutions they need today, but solutions that will support them in the future."

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Contacts:

Cable&Wireless
Natalie Easson PR Manager +44 (0)7717 427 418
Katie Dove Head of UK PR +44(0)7733 392 514
C&W Press Office +44(0)1344 818 888

Notes to editors

About Cable & Wireless

Cable and Wireless plc is one of the world's leading international communications companies. It operates through two standalone business units - Worldwide and CWI.

The Worldwide business (formerly Europe, Asia & US) specialises in offering high quality communications services such as IP, data, voice and hosting to large enterprise, reseller and carrier customers. It operates globally, with core markets in UK, Asia and EMEA, and provides connectivity in 153 countries.

CWI is an owner and operator of leading regional telecoms businesses. Headquartered in London, it operates businesses through four regional operations the Caribbean, Panama, Macau and Monaco & Islands delivering world class service and efficiency. CWI is a full-service telecommunications provider offering mobile, broadband, and domestic and international fixed line services, as well as enterprise and managed service solutions.

For more information about Cable&Wireless, go to http://www.cw.com

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