TCS selects AT&T for MPLS-based IP VPN solution

AT&T has announced the rollout of its Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based global communication network for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The network includes over ten global delivery centres. AT&T will provide an MPLS-based Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) solution integrating locations across North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Steve Lowe (left) and K Ananth Krishnan

The IP VPN solution provided by AT&T will serve as a network for TCS offices around the world, and support its converged networking platform. The Asia Pacific portion of the network includes Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, Hangzhou in China, Yokohama in Japan, Singapore, Mumbai & Chennai. VSNL will provide the network links within and from India.

Says K Ananth Krishnan, Vice-president, TCS, “The first phase of deployment covering 27 sites—10 locations in North America; seven across Europe, Middle East and Africa; seven in Asia Pacific; and three in Central and Latin America—will be completed in the next six months.”

The second phase will be completed by 2006; it will cover another 100 TCS locations across the globe and will extend application support for many of the TCS offshore development teams.

“This network ties the global TCS community to one platform and enables a single view of the enterprise from any part of the world,” explains Krishnan. On the advantages of the system, he adds, “TCS’ associates across the world can now collaborate and innovate using the knowledge management system, telephony, video conferencing, mail and chat—all on a single global platform due to our convergence with AT&T as well as VSNL.”

Remarks Steve Lowe, Vice-president of AT&T Asia Pacific, “India has become one of the important markets in the world for telecommunication and technology industries. TCS has established itself as one of India’s most successful technology companies, and with its rapid expansion worldwide, networking has become TCS’ central nervous system. We look forward to supporting its continued success and global expansion.”

AT&T has been quite aggressive in the IT and manufacturing segment globally. It is also looking at verticals such as airlines and shipping. According to Lowe, apart from the size of the market, the recent deregulation mechanism that the government has undertaken has added to the growth of the telecom vertical.