TORONTO, Ontario, Oct. 28, 1997 — Bell Canada today announced an agreement with Microsoft Corporation to upgrade and standardize software for personal computers across Bell Canada and Bell Sygma as part of a major initiative to reduce costs and improve customer service.
Under a three-year agreement, Bell Canada will deploy Microsoft software on 35,000 desktops in a comprehensive technology modernization program designed to streamline administrative processes and improve operating efficiency. The deal is the largest contract ever for Microsoft in Canada.
The initiative is an important step by Bell Canada to standardize its information technology company-wide, eliminating the need to patch together various niche products.
“Our goal is to maximize customer and shareholder value from Bell Canada, which means we need to be responsive and accessible, operate efficiently and become more competitive,” said John Lochow, Chief Information Officer and Group Vice-President of Bell Canada. “The software solution that can help us achieve these goals has to be reliable, flexible and scaleable so it can handle a high volume of activity in a fast-paced, changing environment.”
Under the terms of the contract, Microsoft Corporation will provide software licences and upgrades over three years for personal computers across Bell Canada and Bell Sygma, as well as implementation and related consulting services. The licences cover the following products in both French and English: Microsoft Office® , Microsoft Windows® (Windows NT® Server, Windows NT Workstation), Microsoft BackOffice® (including SQL Server, Site Server, Exchange Server, Proxy Server, SMS Server, Internet Information Server), and Microsoft Project®
.
One of the systems involved in the modernization is the Bell Customer Contact System (BCCS) platform used by nearly 10,000 customer representatives through Bell Canada’s communications network, information technology and application systems. As BCCS ports its mission critical applications to a Windows architecture, Microsoft Consulting Services, a division of Microsoft Canada Co., is working with Bell Canada to assist with planning, deployment and infrastructure management for the new system, which is being built using Microsoft Windows NT® and Microsoft BackOffice®
.
“Microsoft is pleased to be working with Bell to provide employees with one consistent platform that is easy to use, thereby increasing productivity and efficiencies,” said Simon Witts, General Manager of Microsoft Canada. “To assist with the implementation, Microsoft is providing on-site support for the roll-out. This is a great example of how Microsoft can operate in a large enterprise to meet customers’ technology and business needs.”
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use; each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day. For additional information on Microsoft or Microsoft products please visit the Microsoft home page at http://microsoft.com/canada/ .
Bell Canada, the largest Canadian telecommunications operating company, markets a full range of state-of-the-art products and services to more than seven million business and residence customers in Ontario and Quebec. Bell Canada is a member of Stentor – an alliance of Canada’s major telecommunications companies.
Bell Canada’s Internet web site is located at: . News releases, speeches and background information are in the Reading room under the main menu. Our e-mail address is [email protected].
Microsoft, BackOffice, Windows NT and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
