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Global Crossing is implementing a managed IP VPN for National Express Group, a UK-based transportation company. Under the five-year, 10 million pound contract renewal, 200 sites will be migrated to a new managed IP VPN service to support additional IP converged services.

The company will migrate10 major sites to the new IP VPN in the first phase of the network deployment, which includes the group’s London offices and regional business headquarters of the train operating companies. The wide area network will comprise 200 sites following the deployment making Global Crossing the sole supplier of data services to all of the group’s train operating companies.

Niall Anderson, managing director of Global Crossing UK, believes this contract renewal supports Global Crossing’s strategy to be a provider of IP solutions to the broad transportation industry.

Global Crossing is also extending its range of IP services to the group’s coach division, which will initially comprise a four-site IP VPN connecting the head office, a data centre and two other operations sites.

“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,” explained Richard Rowson, head of IT strategy for National Express Group, in a press release.

Direct Internet Access and Global Crossing Managed Security Services will also be provided by Global Crossing to the group. Managed Security Services are offered in partnership with VeriSign (News - Alert).

The transition to IP VPN will support CCTV surveillance at stations, passenger traffic information systems, IT and back-office systems, and interface with the national reservation system. Global Crossing videoconferencing services across the UK will link to operations in Spain, the U.S. and Canada.

Some of the group’s train operating companies will use Global Crossing’s managed voice services through the dedicated Railnet service.

Global Crossing provides telecommunications solutions over an integrated global IP-based network.

National Express Group is a premier transportation company with operations in the UK, Europe and North America. In the UK, the Group operates eight rail franchises, national coach services and bus companies in London, the Midlands and Scotland.

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Anuradha Shukla is a contributing editor for TMCnet, covering call centers, CRM and information technology. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.