Naval training company gets onboard with 8el Flagship Training to receive resilient voice and data network

Reading, UK, June 22nd, 2005 --- Telecoms provider 8el has secured a 3-year contract to provide leading training solutions provider Flagship Training Ltd with a more resilient voice and data network. Through a combination of innovative network design and Disaster Recovery back-up, 8el’s solution met Flagship’s goal to achieve total peace of mind with a robust, fully resilient voice network.

Due to go live in August, 8el’s solution also provides Flagship with cost efficiencies and additional network capacity. 8el will install voice, ISP and Remote Access (RAS) connectivity into Flagship’s Portsmouth headquarters. A further connection for voice, ISP and RAS will also be provided into Flagship’s Disaster Recovery (DR) site, guaranteeing business continuity in the event of a disaster.

In addition to resilience, Flagship, which is in a unique partnering arrangement with the Royal Navy’s Recruiting and Training Agency, chose 8el for its appeal as a one-stop-shop for all its voice, data and remote access needs.

Flagship wanted to ensure uninterrupted availability of service and sought the most appropriate supplier. In response, 8el has provided additional backups that enable the DR site to guarantee service in the event of a primary network failure at the Portsmouth HQ. By installing a resilient, direct connection from the HQ into the DR site, 8el can ensure the delivery of business critical voice and ISP traffic at all times.

Building on Flagship’s incumbent network, 8el is able to rationalise the current infrastructure and provide valuable cost efficiencies and enhanced functionality. The upgraded network will include ISP connectivity for both Flagship sites and a fully managed remote access solution (8el DialConnect) for all Flagship’s mobile users. 8el’s DialConnect is a cost effective service that will enable off site users to dial in and access the company network and resources via a fast, secure ISP connection.

About Flagship Training Ltd

Flagship was formed in 1996 when a 15 year contract was signed with the UK Ministry of Defence for a unique partnering agreement with the Royal Navy’s Recruiting and Training Agency (NRTA). Flagship’s initial role was to market the Royal Navy’s training capability to overseas navies, related maritime customers and to industry as a whole. This role later grew to encompass the provision of a full range of support services to the Royal Navy training establishments. Today, Flagship has evolved into a total training solutions provider, delivering a wide range of capabilities, including training solutions, support services, facilities management and construction services.

Flagship is a joint venture between BAE SYSTEMS and the VT Group and is head-quartered in Portsmouth, Hampshire. We currently employ 1,500 staff and have reported annual revenue in excess of £110 million. Further information can be found at www.flagshiptraining.co.uk

About 8el

8el (pronounced ‘A-Tel’) is an innovative, specialist network operator providing efficient voice and data services to the corporate market. UK businesses use 8el to satisfy the communication challenges presented by their office, home and remote communities and derive strategic, financial and quality benefits.

8el is an established and trusted supplier to leading businesses, delivering voice and data network services to over 35,000 users. Solutions are deployed across a number of vertical markets including the recruitment, transport, publishing, accountancy and legal professions.
www.8el.com

For more information on 8el’s converged solutions contact Chris Sayer on 0845 33 000 93 or email [email protected]