- High-speed converged network to consolidate core European IT infrastructure into Ireland
- 20 new jobs created by Canada Life in Dublin
Cable & Wireless today announced that it has won a EUR1.5 million contract over three years with Canada Life Group Services in Ireland.
With Cable & Wireless connecting Canada Life’s Irish and European offices using its high-speed global IP network, the converged managed network means Canada Life can consolidate its core European IT infrastructure into its Irish headquarters. And the scalable platform will enhance communications between its European offices as well as helping to facilitate the company’s growth plans.
Canada Life is one of Ireland’s leading providers of Life, Pension and Investment products. It manages funds exceeding EUR5 billion, and has more than 500 staff and 300,000 policyholders across the country. Canada Life is the European expansion vehicle for parent company Great-West Life and has offices in Ireland, the UK and Germany.
Integrating its three markets onto a single platform, Cable & Wireless’ points of presence in over 80 countries will allow Canada Life to grow its European business quickly and cost-effectively as it plans moves into new markets.
Cable & Wireless is currently migrating Canada Life’s existing European data networks onto its secure, high-speed IP network. This will allow Canada Life’s 2,000 European employees to share important financial applications, thereby improving productivity and enhancing service to its customers in Europe. In addition, all internal voice traffic will be able to travel free of charge across the international virtual private network, leading to substantial costs savings. The new network will also connect European offices directly with head office in Canada.
By delivering a common platform, Canada Life aims to achieve financial synergies across its European businesses. As part of this, a data centre has been built in Dublin to centralise and consolidate its core IT infrastructure for the European group and has helped Canada Life to create 20 new technical positions in the Irish business. Cable & Wireless’ managed IP-VPN QoS network is allowing Canada Life to migrate its European operations at a pace that suits its needs.
Darragh O’Sullivan, manager of Technology Integration and Network Services, Canada Life, said, “We have a long and productive relationship working with Cable & Wireless in Ireland. When a decision was made to integrate our European communications networks, Cable & Wireless was the obvious choice. Its fully managed global IP network gives us fast and direct access to all of our existing and planned markets. In addition, Cable & Wireless has developed a completely new customer-focused service structure that ensures proactive management of all our evolving needs.”
Noreen O’Hare, country director, Ireland, Cable & Wireless, said, “We are delighted to play such a key role for Canada Life as it consolidates its core IT services into Ireland and creates more highly skilled positions. The financial services sector is continuing to flourish in this country and we believe that much of this growth is due to an improving telecoms landscape. We intend to set new standards of excellence in our industry by enhancing the quality of our infrastructure and delivering unrivalled levels of customer service.”
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About Cable & Wireless
Cable & Wireless is one of the world’s leading international communications companies. It operates through two standalone business units - Europe, Asia & US and International.
The Europe, Asia & US business unit (formerly known as the "UK" business) provides enterprise and carrier solutions to the largest users of telecoms services across the UK, US, continental Europe and Asia, and wholesale broadband services in the UK. With experience of delivering connectivity to 153 countries - and an intention to be the first customer-defined communications services business - the focus is on delivering customers a service experience that is second to none.
The International business unit operates integrated telecommunications companies in 33 countries offering mobile, broadband, domestic and international fixed line services to residential and business customers, with principal operations in the Caribbean, Panama, Macau, Monaco and the Channel Islands.
For more information about Cable & Wireless, go to http://www.cw.com
About Canada Life
Canada Life is one of Ireland’s leading Life, Pension and Investment providers. We have over 100 years experience in the Irish market serving the financial planning needs of our clients. Founded in Ireland in 1903, Canada Life has over €6 billion in assets. We employ over 600 people throughout Ireland. In 2003, Canada Life became part of The Great-West Life Assurance Company. Canada Life has received very strong ratings on our financial strength and claims paying ability from the major rating agencies*. Canada Life also serves as a hub for the company’s expanding presence in Europe, providing finance and human resources services for the Irish and German businesses, as well as the IT data centre for the entire European operation.
*as rated by A.M. Best Company, Dominion Bond Rating Service, Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services at time of publication. For current information on Canada Life’s ratings and financial strength, see canadalife.com
Press Contacts:
Barry Chapman
Comit Communications & Marketing (for Cable & Wireless)
Tel: +353 (0) 1 215 7671
Email: bchapman@comitmarketing.com
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