Cable&Wireless Worldwide Extends its Relationship With Aviva

LONDON, May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

    
    - Leading Global Insurance Provider Selects Cable&Wireless
      Worldwide to Provide Data Services in Europe

    - Contract to Consolidate Communications Across its European
      Countries

Aviva Europe, a leading insurer in the region, has selected Cable&Wireless Worldwide to provide a fully managed communications backbone across its European markets. The initial three year contract is the first step towards a single converged voice and data network across the continent as part of Aviva's European transformation programme.

The decision to move to one infrastructure provider underpins Aviva Europe's strategy, designed to transform the company into one truly effective pan-European business.

Aviva Europe's previous network was delivered by several service providers and C&W Worldwide was selected as its partner of choice for the consolidation following a competitive tender. C&W Worldwide currently provides a fully managed communications solution to Aviva in the UK and globally.

Philippe Gibert, Technology and IT Infrastructure Director Aviva Europe, explains: "This converged network is a vital component to our European transformation programme. The fast, resilient and secure services provided by C&W Worldwide will be fundamental for our future development."

Jim Marsh, Chief Executive Officer at C&W Worldwide, comments: "This contract is a clear example of how we can help our current customers optimise their communications internationally and is a natural extension of our present relationship. We are excited to have been chosen by Aviva Europe to help them realise their vision. By consolidating Aviva Europe's networks, we will not only help them realise better efficiencies but also ensure that they will be freed up to focus their attention and resources on encouraging growth."

About Cable&Wireless Worldwide

Cable&Wireless Worldwide (LSE: CW.) is a leading global telecoms company providing a wide range of high-quality managed voice, data, hosting and IP-based services and applications to large multinational companies, governments, carrier customers and resellers across the UK, Asia Pacific, India, Middle East & Africa, Continental Europe and North America. Established in the 1860s, Cable&Wireless Worldwide helps more than 6,000 organisations deliver their goals. The Group's vision is to be the first choice for mission critical communications.

Reaching 20,500km in length, Cable&Wireless Worldwide owns the UK's largest fibre network dedicated to business users of telecoms, and provides ubiquitous nationwide access through a combination of fibre, digital, microwave, radio and leased circuits. The network has presence in over 400 towns and cities in the UK, with 864 unbundled exchanges covering 56% of the population.

Internationally, Cable&Wireless Worldwide's global next-generation network (NGN) stretches to more than 425,000km, including interests in 60 global cable systems, enabling connectivity to more than 150 countries. The Group's IP-based Multi-Service Platform operates at the core of our NGN, offering a single environment on which voice and data applications can be converged to drive business efficiencies. Cable&Wireless Worldwide's network is uniquely designed with inbuilt resilience.

With more than 6,000 colleagues globally, Cable&Wireless Worldwide is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and developing long term partnerships with its customers

To find out more, please visit http://www.cw.com

About Aviva Europe

Aviva Europe is a leading insurer in Europe providing life, general and health insurance products to more than 18 million customers. Customers are served through a diverse set of distribution channels, including banks, brokers, agents, direct sales force, telephone and the internet. Our ability to operate across distribution channels enables us to meet different customer preferences and respond to market developments.

    
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