TORONTO, February 19, 2008 - Bell Canada and Cisco Systems Canada Co. today announced they are partnering to accelerate a number of strategic initiatives designed to develop and deliver a range of IP-based Managed Services to Canadian businesses, including unified communications, voice, wireless, IP contact centre and security.
The two companies have forged the initiatives in response to a growing trend by businesses to embrace managed services and the productivity benefits of these technologies, while reducing capital and infrastructure management costs. Companies can quickly benefit from the integration of solutions, applications, simpler provisioning and management of telecommunications infrastructure, greater self service capabilities and multimedia Internet IP-based communications.
These strategic initiatives build on the companies' 2004 commitment to building out the capacity and resiliency of Bell's core network, in order to manage the increasing IP-based requirements of Bell enterprise customers. Bell has made ongoing investments in network infrastructure, including the Cisco Carrier Routing System (CRS-1), and now has the largest team of Cisco certified experts in the country. Today, Bell and Cisco are recommitting to providing the solutions, resources and programs needed to address the growing market requirements for IP managed service-based solutions. "As the transition to IP continues to escalate, businesses are finding it challenging to keep pace with increasingly complex infrastructure management demands," said Stéphane Boisvert, President, Enterprise Group, Bell Canada. "Businesses are looking to drive the most effective ROI from their IP network investments and Bell's suite of Managed and Outsourced Services can help optimize ICT capital investment while reducing risk and capital cost."
"Today's announcement marks an important next step in Bell and Cisco's shared vision to provide Canadian businesses with the significant benefits of IP-based network services," said Terry Walsh, president, Cisco Canada. "Bell has demonstrated its commitment to delivering leading-edge managed services through the expansion of its national core network, its achievement of Cisco Unified Communications and Master Security Certifications, and its unique approach to training the IT staff of tomorrow."
Knowledge centres to address the ICT talent gap
The initiatives also include the creation of two Knowledge Centres in the cities of Montréal and Toronto. These centres are scheduled to open in the second and third quarters of 2008, enabling both companies to collaborate more effectively in training and specialist certification and provide an environment to encourage recruitment.
The Knowledge Centres will have the latest technology to accelerate knowledge transfer, promote the learning of new solutions, and provide certification information and applied training programs. Bell currently has more than 750 Cisco certified specialists. This critical mass of certified professionals provides significant advantages for Bell customers relating to installation, support and after-sale service.
Moreover, the Knowledge Centres will be used jointly by Bell and Cisco to stimulate recruitment, offering internships to university and college students. This initiative is mission critical, given the shortage of qualified resources that currently prevails in the ICT sector.
"This project is perfectly in line with our joint intention of offering the best talent to our customers," said Boisvert. "The creation of the Knowledge Centres with an industry leader like Cisco is a fine example of the synergy that can be developed by two market leaders. In the end, it is our customers who will gain the greatest benefit, as well as the employees, who will have a training facility that is the most advanced in Canada."
About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers with solutions to all their communications needs, including telephone services, wireless communications, high-speed Internet, digital television and voice over IP. Bell also offers integrated information and communications technology (ICT) services to businesses and governments, and is the Virtual Chief Information Officer (VCIO) to small and medium businesses (SMBs). Bell is proud to be a Premier National Partner and the exclusive Telecommunications Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. For information on Bell's products and services, please visit www.bell.ca. For corporate information on BCE, please visit www.bce.ca.
