Red Cross signs data network deal with Primus

The agreement is expected to be worth more than $1 million

The Australian Red Cross has entered a three-year deal with Primus Telecom to provide a data network service to its branch offices.

Under the agreement, Primus will design a managed Private IP Network (PIPN) for the humanitarian and charity organisation.

The network will feature a multi-protocol label switching core that integrates voice, data, and video traffic on a single platform, as well as scalable bandwidth in the event of a natural disaster.

Primus will initially connect 83 Red Cross branch offices to the network, with the potential to add a further 180 sites later this year.

The deal, which is believed to be worth more than $1 million, follows a 'strategic review' of the organisation’s communications platforms.

“As a rapid response organisation, we value the provision of Primus’ end-to-end account management and help desk, which adds another layer of confidence and expertise to their impressive service delivery,” said Australian Red Cross director of IT, Warren Don, in a statement.

In March 2012, the Red Cross won a $10 million grant from Microsoft Australia to revamp its ageing IT fleet and modernise IT functions across the organisation.

At the time, Don told Computerworld Australia that prior to the grant, the organisation’s investment in technology had been minimal, with the last rebuild conducted between 1998 and 2002.

Primus was recently acquired by M2 Telecommunications for $192.4 million.

Primus chief executive, Tom Mazerski, said at a Commsday Summit in Sydney that the company would be able to pursue more Australian government business following the acquisition.

Follow Diana Nguyen on Twitter: @diananguyen9

Follow Computerworld Australia on Twitter: @ComputerworldAU

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