National Express Group is implementing a managed IP-based virtual private network (VPN) to support converged services under a five-year £10m contract renewal with IP service provider Global Crossing.

The transportation company, which operates national coach services and bus companies in the UK and six rail franchises including Gatwick Express and Midland Mainline, is migrating 200 sites to the new managed IP VPN service to support additional IP-converged services, such as video conferencing.

The transition from an asynchronous transfer mode-based service to the IP VPN will support CCTV surveillance at stations, passenger traffic information systems, IT and back-office systems, and interface with the national reservation system.

Videoconferencing services will link to operations in Spain, the UK and Canada.

The first phase of the network deployment will migrate 10 major sites to the new IP VPN, including the Group’s London offices and regional business headquarters of the train operating companies.

Global Crossing is also extending its range of IP services to the Group’s coach division, which will initially comprise a four-site IP VPN connecting the head office, a data centre and two other operations sites.

Richard Rowson, head of IT strategy at National Express Group, said: ‘The move to an IP network environment is a natural progression for the Group and will harmonise our infrastructure and help create a cohesive IT strategy across all divisions, while laying the foundation for an eventual transition to full convergence of voice and data.’

The Group will gain access to managed security services to support network, security and VoIP through Global Crossing’s partnership with VeriSign.