Morrisons signs multimillion-pound networking deal

Contract with Cable & Wireless will also enable improved view of application performance at the supermarket chain

Morrisons wants to reduce IT-related costs

Supermarket chain Morrisons has signed a multimillion-pound deal with Cable & Wireless for the provision of a managed voice and data service.

The three-year contract will see the rollout of an IP virtual private network system which will connect the retailer's 430 stores, petrol stations, distribution centres and datacentres to its corporate headquarters.

Other initiatives to be introduced include the implementation of an application performance management system, which is expected to enable a thorough view of Morrisons' IT infrastructure and detailed information on network performance. With that information, the business hopes to improve staff productivity and reduce IT ownership costs.

"Morrisons requires proven, world-class systems to achieve our business requirements for profitable growth today and in the future as we continue to drive for ongoing business excellence," said Morrisons IT director Gary Barr.

"We see investing in our network as an essential part of our growth plans which over time delivers real dividends."