Swisscom Wins ICT Outsourcing Deal

ZURICH -- The media company Ringier AG is outsourcing its communication infrastructure to Swisscom. The accompanying agreement covers the complete range of telephone services as well as the operation of all networks in Ringier's Swiss offices. In addition, Swisscom will manage network security for the media company's global operations. The contract will run for five years.

As per the outsourcing agreement, Swisscom will operate and maintain all networks of the media company in Switzerland effective immediately. This includes establishing networks at individual locations as well as interlinking different sites. To this end, the leading ICT provider has already installed over 800 IP phones at Ringier's head offices in Zurich. Ringier's aim is to switch over entirely to Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony. VoIP fits into Ringier's strateg! y of further streamlining its entire communication infrastructure.

Global network security managed from Zurich
Global network security is the third area that Ringier is outsourcing to Swisscom. It includes monitoring its firewalls and Virtual Private Network connections (VPN). VPN allows employees to access internal information securely while on the move. The security services are provided by Swisscom's Security Operation Centre in Zurich-Herdern, where highly specialised technicians monitor the networks round the clock.

Lower costs thanks to outsourcing
This selective outsourcing contract allows Ringier to exploit synergies and realise cost savings. It also means that the company does not need to make any new investments in its communications infrastructure. New communications solutions can be implemented quickly and existing services upgraded easily where necessary. As Swisscom is assuming complete management of the communications infrastructure, Ringier's internal IT department will be able to focus its attention on media-specific solutions and services.

Swisscom AG (NYSE: SCM)