Somerfield's New Virtual Network Now in Store

Somerfield, a High Street supermarket chain, has signed a multi-year, outsourcing contract worth more than $36.8 million dollars with the leading global Virtual Network Operator Vanco (LSE: VAN) for managed telecommunications services. The solution will provide services across 887 sites, including 873 stores, 11 depot locations, Somerfield's headquarters and disaster recovery center.

Richard Beale, Somerfield's procurement director, stated, "We needed a pro-active provider that was able to help us drive down our IT costs but could also give us enough flexibility for future requirements such as VoIP."

The contract will see Vanco design, install and manage the Somerfield Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet and Firewall services. Vanco will take over the management and maintenance of all Local Area Networks (LAN), the PBX estate and the legacy PSTN/ISDN estate, including call minutes. Vanco will also migrate and manage all existing third party contracts.

The Vanco WAN solution includes its MPLS Matrix for the depots, Ethernet for the head office and private ADSL for the stores. This provides Somerfield with a highly resilient, scalable WAN solution which facilitates the addition of future services such as hosted IP Telephony.

"With Vanco's new network solution we will realize substantial cost savings immediately and further savings from an annual Active Negotiating Position. In addition we can now connect new stores easily and fast," added Beale.

"In the fast moving retail market you need to be able to adapt quickly to new developments. Vanco provides enterprises with the required flexibility to evolve and grow their business and not making the network a restraint," says Mark Thompson, Managing Director Northern Region at Vanco.

About Vanco

Established in 1988, Vanco plc (FTSE: VAN) is the pioneering and leading global Virtual Network Operator. Vanco does not own telecoms assets and therefore has the freedom to source infrastructure from the most suitable Asset Based Carriers (ABCs) on a global basis. It provides enterprise clients, directly or through partners, with cost-effective, optimized and fully managed network solutions. Carriers can also extend their off-net reach by accessing, through Vanco, other carrier networks around the world.

With solutions available in 230 countries and territories, Vanco is selected by the world's largest organizations to provide strategic network solutions. Its clients include Accor Hotels, Avis Europe, British Airways, Ford Motor Company, IBM/Lloyds TSB, Siemens, Pilkington and Virgin Retail.

Through the Vanco network solution clients get access to the greatest geographic coverage available through a single provider. Vanco offers incomparable flexibility to customize and adapt the solution in line with market changes and business priorities.

Vanco is recognized by the industry for its financial success and world-class customer service delivery. A significant proportion of its investment capital goes into customer care which is reflected by the awards won, independent market research and client retention.

For further press information, please contact: Keith Goldberg Marketing Manager Vanco US 1-212-271-1155 Email Contact Marti Griffin Director Austin Lawrence 1-203-391-3025 Email Contact