Esat BT signs €151m contract with BoI

Esat BT yesterday announced the signing of a seven-year contract to manage the Bank of Ireland's networks.

The contract comprises all the bank's data, voice, Internet and disaster recovery requirements.

Esat said that a small number of networks employees will transition from Bank of Ireland to the Esat BT team as part of the deal.

Cyril Dunne, bank of Ireland IT officer, said: "This partnership builds on the successful existing relationship between ourselves and Esat BT, and gives the group access to a tremendous range of capabilities in the fast-changing technology arena.

"It is a key platform in our strategy of developing a world-class infrastructure, while actively managing our cost base."

Esat BT will focus on the standardisation of technologies across the Bank of Ireland Group, and the deployment of technology like MPLS and IP telephony.

Esat BT said that: "These measures will improve the bank's technology platforms while also lowering costs.

"This will ultimately improve the bank's ability to service its customer base and respond quickly to changing market conditions".

Esat BT is a division of BT Global Services. Esat BT also operates in the residential and Internet portal markets.

With over 800 employees, the company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.