UK media group News International is planning to implement an
Internet Protocol (IP) network across its Wapping headquarters.
The network will provide the backbone for the organisation's
planned move to a converged voice and data communications network.
IP networks can help companies reduce costs and increase
flexibility by allowing access to both voice and data information
from multiple locations.
The News International deal comes at a time when media firms face
increasing pressure to cut costs amid a climate of tumbling
advertising revenues.
The company, which publishes The Times, Sunday Times, News of The
World and The Sun, has signed an agreement with networks provider
Avaya for the IP network for Wapping. The deal also includes a new
telephony network and contact centre software and services for its
entire UK operation.
The implementation, due for completion by March, will allow News
International to gradually and cost effectively move to IP
telephony, while retaining its existing networking technology. This
flexibility is vital, said John Marley, chief technology officer at
the company.
"We are convinced that IP telephony can provide benefits of more
flexible communications and reduced costs to support our businesses
as they continue to grow," he said. "However, we don't have the
luxury of placing our activities on hold while we make this
transformation."
The IP network will initially be used by 50 staff at the Wapping
site on a pilot basis, Marley said. If successful, the network will
be rolled out across the UK, enabling closer integration with
parent company News Corporation, he said.
During the trial Avaya will be providing its Unified Messenger
messaging system, which will allow employees to access voicemail,
e-mail and fax messages from a single mailbox, via a standard
phone, mobile phone, laptop or personal digital assistant.