Global Crossing Provides 200-Site Managed IP VPN to National Express Group to Support Converged Services
12 March 2007
Global Crossing (Nasdaq: GLBC) today announced that it is implementing a managed IP VPN for the UK-based transportation company, National Express Group. The five-year, 10 million pound contract renewal includes migrating 200 sites to a new managed IP VPN service to support additional IP converged services, such as videoconferencing.
National Express Group is a premier transportation company with operations in the UK, Europe and North America. In the UK, the Group operates six rail franchises, national coach services and bus companies in London, the Midlands and Scotland.
The first phase of the network deployment will migrate 10 major sites to the new IP VPN. These include the Group's London offices and regional business headquarters of the train operating companies. Once complete, the wide area network will comprise 200 sites, making Global Crossing the sole supplier of data services to all of the Group's train operating companies.
"This deal was won in a competitive tender process and illustrates Global Crossing's understanding of the rail transportation sector," said Niall Anderson, managing director of Global Crossing UK. "We are delighted to have the opportunity to expand our relationship with National Express Group. This contract renewal supports Global Crossing's strategy to be a provider of IP solutions to the broad transportation industry, building on more than 10 years' experience serving train and freight operators, as well as Network Rail."
Under this renewed contract, Global Crossing also is extending its range of IP services to the Group's coach division. Initially, this will comprise a four-site IP VPN connecting the head office, a data centre and two other operations sites.
"We're impressed with Global Crossing's responsive and flexible service," said Richard Rowson, head of IT strategy for National Express Group. "The move to an IP network environment is a natural progression for the Group and will harmonize our infrastructure and help create a cohesive IT strategy across all divisions, while laying the foundation for an eventual transition to full convergence of voice and data."
Global Crossing will provide Direct Internet Access and Global Crossing Managed Security Services(TM) to the Group, as well. Managed Security Services are offered in partnership with industry-leader VeriSign and represent one element in the suite of Professional Services and Managed Solutions that Global Crossing provides to support network, security and VoIP solutions.
The transition from an ATM-based service to IP VPN with network-wide class of service will support CCTV surveillance at stations, passenger traffic information systems, IT and back-office systems, and interface with the national reservation system. In addition, Global Crossing videoconferencing services across the UK will link to operations in Spain, the U.S. and Canada.
In addition, Global Crossing's managed voice services will be used by some of the Group's train operating companies through the dedicated Railnet service. This supports 70,000 subscribers across the UK rail industry through a shared private voice network. Railnet's voice service currently is being upgraded with software revisions for more than 100 PBXs and the replacement of 130 switches.
National Express Group provides a range of intercity, commuter and rural passenger train services and a dedicated train maintenance operation. Train franchises include C2c, Central Trains, Gatwick Express, Midland Mainline, One and Silverlink. The company's coach services include National Express, Eurolines and Airlinks.
In addition, the company operates high-frequency urban bus services operating primarily in Birmingham and across the West Midlands -- representing the largest single area bus network in the UK outside London.
ABOUT GLOBAL CROSSING
Global Crossing (Nasdaq: GLBC) provides telecommunications solutions over the world's first integrated global IP-based network. Its core network connects more than 300 cities in 29 countries worldwide, and delivers services to more than 600 cities in 60 countries and 6 continents around the globe. The company's global sales and support model matches the network footprint and, like the network, delivers a consistent customer experience worldwide.
Global Crossing IP services are global in scale, linking the world's enterprises, governments and carriers with customers, employees and partners worldwide in a secure environment that is ideally suited for IP-based business applications, allowing e-commerce to thrive. The company offers a full range of managed data and voice products including Global Crossing IP VPN Service, Global Crossing Managed Solutions and Global Crossing VoIP services, to 36 percent of the Fortune 500, as well as 700 carriers, mobile operators and ISPs.
Please visit http://www.globalcrossing.com or blogspot.globalcrossing.com for more information about Global Crossing.
Statements in this press release about expected future events and financial results are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially, including risks referenced from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Global Crossing undertakes no duty to update information contained in this press release or in other public disclosures at any time.
CONTACT GLOBAL CROSSING:
Press Contact
Mish Desmidt
Europe
+ 44 (0) 1256 732 866
EuropePR@globalcrossing.com
Analysts/Investors Contact
Laurinda Pang
+ 1 800 836 0342
glbc@globalcrossing.com
GEN/PR1
Source: prnewswire
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