Re Contract

RNS Number:0968N
Faroe Petroleum PLC
03 July 2003


             Vanco delivers global WAN solution to Smiths Group plc

 Proactive service culture instrumental in selection of global virtual network
                                    operator


Smith Group plc, the UK's leading specialist engineering group has selected
Vanco, the Global Virtual Network Operator to design, implement and manage a new
Wide Area Network (WAN) worth almost #3 million contract value. Previously
managed in house, this new network will connect over 150 locations throughout
the USA, Europe and Asia.

The solution is a Public IP VPN utilising managed DSL and leased line
connectivity. Through Vanco's Active Negotiating Position Smiths will have
continual access to both the lowest infrastructure prices available in the
market and new technologies as and when they become available. Realtime network
monitoring and reporting is also a significant feature with Vanco delivering key
network and application metrics to Smiths, online and realtime through the
unique O-Zone solution.

"Vanco demonstrated an excellent understanding of the technical and commercial
challenges facing our business. Working with the Smiths team Vanco developed a
simple technical solution that fits our overall IT Strategy and integrates
perfectly with our existing WAN." Said Dave Anning, CTO, Smith Group plc. "We
have outsourced this critical part of our IT infrastructure to an organisation
we feel has competence to deliver both now and in the future"

"More and more of the world's leading organisations are approaching Vanco to
help them align their data network with key business objectives, ensuring the
solution adds value and delivers ROI. We are seeing significant 'pull' from end
users, attracted to our unique approach, which is being expressed through our
continued accelerated growth," Added Wayne Churchill, Managing Director, Vanco
UK Ltd, "I am delighted that Smiths have selected us and look forward to a long
and successful association."


NOTES TO EDITORS

About Smiths Group plc

Founded in 1851 by Samuel Smith, as a family clock and watch-making business,
Smiths is now the UK's leading specialist engineer, operating internationally in
four distinct sectors:

Aerospace (avionic systems and equipment); Medical (single-use devices and
equipment for anaesthesia/respiratory care and infusion therapy); Sealing
Solutions (mechanical and polymer seals); and Industrial (electrical
interconnect systems).

Headquarters are in London and manufacturing businesses are located principally
in the UK, USA and continental Europe. The chief executive is Keith
Butler-Wheelhouse. The company's shares are listed only on the London Stock
Exchange, and with a market capitalisation of approx. #4.3 billion, Smiths Group
is a constituent of the FTSE100 index of the largest UK companies (at no. 62,
May 2003).


About Vanco
Established in 1988, Vanco plc (FTSE: VAN) is one of the leading global network
service providers. With solutions available in 230 countries and territories,
Vanco is selected by the world's largest organisations to provide strategic
network solutions. Its customers include FT Interactive Data, Virgin Retail,
Ford Motor Company, Pilkington, Tibbett & Britten and Smith & Nephew.

Through the Vanco network solution customers get access to the greatest
geographic coverage available through a single provider. Vanco offers
incomparable flexibility to customise and adapt the solution in line with market
changes and business priorities.

Vanco is recognised by the industry for its financial success and world class
customer service delivery. A significant proportion of its investment capital
goes into customer care which is reflected by the awards won, independent market
research and customer retention.


For further press information, please contact:

Andy Brown, Vanco
Tel : [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web site: http://www.vanco.co.uk

Jo Begbie, Brodeur Worldwide
Tel: [phone]
Email : [e-mail]


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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