BT announced today the signature of a three-year managed services contract with SWIFT, the financial messaging provider for more than 8,600 institutions. Under the terms of the agreement, BT will provide its Unified Communications Video solution which connects strategic offices spread across Europe, the US and Asia. The solution, which includes five Cisco TelePresence units, brings SWIFT an immersive meeting experience, reduces travel costs and supports their environmentally responsible business practice. The units will be connected via SWIFT's own mission-critical backbone, which enables its users to exchange automated, standardised financial information securely and reliably 24/7.
"We were attracted to BT's complete service offering", said Francis Vanbever, CFO SWIFT. "Based on our existing relationship with BT, we are confident that we have chosen the right conferencing partner. Cisco TelePresence technology helps our teams across the globe to interact and collaborate as if they were in the same room. It brings us numerous advantages in the areas of efficiency, cost-control and carbon emission reduction."
Bas Burger, CEO BT Benelux, said: "By choosing BT as their global telepresence service provider, SWIFT receives a complete managed services wrap complemented by BT Conferencing, delivering reliable, robust and innovative conferencing services and devices."
General Manager Cisco Belux Pol Vanbiervliet, added: "Non-verbal cues from body language to eye contact help build confidence and trust. However, they can be lost when using traditional video conferencing systems. With ultra-high definition displays and advanced audio, Cisco TelePresence preserves the attributes of an 'in-person' meeting."
The contract entails the implementation of five systems, supporting equipment and software. Furthermore, BT will provide managed services, such as the OneCare Plus Service and Concierge services, which include 24/7 helpdesk support and on-site maintenance, pro-active system monitoring and remote diagnostics.
About BT Conferencing
BT Conferencing was established more than 20 years ago and is now a leading global provider of audio, video and web collaboration services. Year on year growth has seen the company out-perform the conferencing industry expectation and with its extensive global portfolio, is now the number one conferencing provider in the UK and Europe with current reach in more than 55 countries.
BT Conferencing is based in the USA, EMEA and Asia Pacific and specialises in the delivery of reliable, robust and innovative conferencing solutions and product hardware to some of the largest companies in the world. The company offers tailor-made solutions to customers, whether they are small SMEs or major global businesses. With businesses now juggling to increase productivity, being more environmentally aware and at the same time looking to improve the work-life balance of its employees, conferencing and collaboration services provide a cost effective and time saving solution.
About Cisco
Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco news and information are available at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com. Cisco equipment in Europe is supplied by Cisco Systems International BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc.
About SWIFT
SWIFT (www.swift.com) is a member-owned cooperative that provides the communications platform, products and services to connect over 8,600 banking organisations, securities institutions and corporate customers in 209 countries. SWIFT enables its users to exchange automated, standardised financial information securely and reliably, thereby lowering costs, reducing operational risk and eliminating operational inefficiencies. SWIFT also brings the financial community together to work collaboratively to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest.
"We were attracted to BT's complete service offering", said Francis Vanbever, CFO SWIFT. "Based on our existing relationship with BT, we are confident that we have chosen the right conferencing partner. Cisco TelePresence technology helps our teams across the globe to interact and collaborate as if they were in the same room. It brings us numerous advantages in the areas of efficiency, cost-control and carbon emission reduction."
Bas Burger, CEO BT Benelux, said: "By choosing BT as their global telepresence service provider, SWIFT receives a complete managed services wrap complemented by BT Conferencing, delivering reliable, robust and innovative conferencing services and devices."
General Manager Cisco Belux Pol Vanbiervliet, added: "Non-verbal cues from body language to eye contact help build confidence and trust. However, they can be lost when using traditional video conferencing systems. With ultra-high definition displays and advanced audio, Cisco TelePresence preserves the attributes of an 'in-person' meeting."
The contract entails the implementation of five systems, supporting equipment and software. Furthermore, BT will provide managed services, such as the OneCare Plus Service and Concierge services, which include 24/7 helpdesk support and on-site maintenance, pro-active system monitoring and remote diagnostics.
About BT Conferencing
BT Conferencing was established more than 20 years ago and is now a leading global provider of audio, video and web collaboration services. Year on year growth has seen the company out-perform the conferencing industry expectation and with its extensive global portfolio, is now the number one conferencing provider in the UK and Europe with current reach in more than 55 countries.
BT Conferencing is based in the USA, EMEA and Asia Pacific and specialises in the delivery of reliable, robust and innovative conferencing solutions and product hardware to some of the largest companies in the world. The company offers tailor-made solutions to customers, whether they are small SMEs or major global businesses. With businesses now juggling to increase productivity, being more environmentally aware and at the same time looking to improve the work-life balance of its employees, conferencing and collaboration services provide a cost effective and time saving solution.
About Cisco
Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco news and information are available at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com. Cisco equipment in Europe is supplied by Cisco Systems International BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc.
About SWIFT
SWIFT (www.swift.com) is a member-owned cooperative that provides the communications platform, products and services to connect over 8,600 banking organisations, securities institutions and corporate customers in 209 countries. SWIFT enables its users to exchange automated, standardised financial information securely and reliably, thereby lowering costs, reducing operational risk and eliminating operational inefficiencies. SWIFT also brings the financial community together to work collaboratively to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest.
