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Ernst & Young to roll out 6,000-handset Alcatel IP solution and Unified Communications across eight sites nationwide with premium partner Integ

Announcement posted by Alcatel-Lucent 02 Dec 2004

Sydney, Wednesday, December 1, 2004: Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced that Ernst & Young has chosen Alcatel and premium business partner, Integ, to implement a new IP-based communications infrastructure, the Alcatel OmniPCX Enterprise, with 6,000 handsets. Ernst & Young has also chosen Alcatels OmniTouch Unified Communications software suite to provide its 3,500 staff access to information and business tools anywhere, any time, from any device.
Ernst & Young is embarking on a large-scale project to relocate offices in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, and as part of that move re-evaluated its communications options. After comprehensive analysis considering functionality, cost, future capabilities, support and maintenance, Ernst & Young found an IP-based network was the most appropriate and cost-effective decision. The new Alcatel network and Unified Communications software suite, paid for itself through the savings made in cabling costs, and productivity gains.
Ernst & Youngs IP telephony rollout is one of the largest in Australia. Integ is providing Ernst & Young with a complete communication solution. The project comprises an IP telephony network and advanced communications applications, along with design, project management, deployment, training and ongoing support.
"We have been extremely happy with our existing Alcatel communications infrastructure," said Stephen Arnold, CIO, Ernst & Young, Australia. "After a complete study 18 months ago, we decided that IP Telephony would support us and our needs. In the end it was our satisfaction with the current Alcatel solution and the support from Integ, coupled with the fact that we wouldnt need to retrain the whole organisation that made the decision for us.
"We are always looking for ways to increase the effectiveness of our mobile workforce with communications being a significant part of our business. The Alcatel OmniTouch Unified Communications solution provides additional effectiveness by combining email, Ernst & Youngs favoured communications method, with voicemail and faxes into single digital mailbox. This capability will help simplify the administration of company distribution lists.
Rob Carnell, Alcatels General Manager for Alcatel Enterprise Solutions in Australasia, said, "Ernst & Young is an example of a firm that embraces and leverages technology to benefit staff and productivity. IP is not so much about reducing costs but about increasing efficiency and productivity, which is what the OmniTouch Unified Communications and the Alcatel OmniPCX Enterprise will do for Ernst & Young."
Ian Poole, CEO, Integ, said, "Designing an IP telephony solution for a company with such an emphasis on quality and staff was very exciting for Integ. Ernst and Youngs need to cater for a large mobile workforce, allowed us to introduce the latest customised applications to deliver the efficiencies, value and tangible business benefits that IP telephony can now offer. Integ was chosen for its innovative approach, proven track record, ability to deliver on time and commitment to providing exceptional training and maintenance support."
Ernst & Young began its nationwide implementation six capital cities and two smaller Queensland-based offices in October 2004.
About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or to their employees. Alcatel leverages its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services to bring value to its customers in the framework of a broadband world. With sales of EURO 12.5 billion in 2003, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit Alcatel on the Internet: http://www.alcatel.com.
About Integ Communication Solutions
Integ Communication Solutions is a leading Australian integrator of voice, data and IP communication solutions to government and business. The company employs more than 100 people in six offices across Australia.
With four distinct lines of business; voice, data networking, cabling and applications, Integ offers a skilful edge in designing, integrating and supporting communication networks, structured cabling, data networks and wireless, security, high speed Internet access, contact centres, mobility, messaging and CRM solutions.
Integ is a business unit of UXC Limited, one of Australias ASX Top 300.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional services, is committed to restoring the publics trust in professional services firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its 100,000 people in 140 countries around the globe pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and professionalism to provide clients with solutions based on financial, transactional, and risk-management knowledge in Ernst & Young's core services of Audit, Tax, and Transaction Advisory Services. Ernst & Young practices also provide Law services in some parts of the world where permitted. Revenues from Law services are included in Tax. Further information about Ernst & Young and its approach to a variety of business issues can be found at www.ey.com/perspectives. Ernst & Young refers to all the members of the global Ernst & Young organization.
Press Contacts
Anna Perrin Tel: (02) 8306 5575 anna.perrin@alcatel.com.au
Gwen John Tel: (02) 9810 1367 gwen.john@somethinginventive.com.au