BT to provide Global Managed Services to Ciba Specialty Chemicals

LONDON, April 18/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BT has today announced that it is entering into a strategic supplier agreement with Ciba Specialty Chemicals (Ciba), a leading global company dedicated to producing high-value effects for its customers' products.

Under the terms of the agreement, BT will provide a broad package of managed ICT-services to Ciba's operations around the world. This includes deploying a global IP telephony solution running across a BT managed LAN and WAN service, a global IT security solution and a flat-rate voice service. The partnership will provide Ciba with improved management of costs for existing infrastructure, together with a technology refresh over the life of the agreement to equip Ciba with a modern suite of networked IT services to support business operations globally. Headquartered in Switzerland, Ciba Specialty Chemicals is active in more than 120 countries.

The deal will help Ciba make use of mobile and internet technologies and advanced network services to provide secure business connectivity in a cost- effective way. The agreement covers the management of Ciba's networking functions and as a result, Ciba will be in a position to improve the efficiency of corporate IT services and enhance productivity.

Kevin Ackling, Vice President Global Sales and Account Manager at BT, said:  "We are extremely excited about this extension to our long relationship with Ciba Specialty Chemicals and believe the agreement will provide significant benefits for both companies. We are committed to delivering world- class managed services to the Pharma-Chemical community that provide robust, compliant and flexible infrastructure so vital to its success. We are extremely proud that Ciba SC have entrusted the delivery of their global networked IT services to us and we look forward to extending our relationship over the coming years."

Michael Loechle, Chief Information Officer at Ciba Specialty Chemicals, said: "Ciba is a global leader, committed to be a leading player in all our chosen markets. We strive to be the partner of choice for customers seeking innovative effects to enhance the performance of their products. In order to best serve those customers, we need to be able to fully focus on our core competencies, while relying on a secure and efficient networked IT service infrastructure. BT is a recognised industry leader in providing and managing such an infrastructure and such services. We are confident that this new stage in our relationship will help us maximise the quality of our service."

About Ciba Specialty Chemicals

Ciba Specialty Chemicals (SWX:CIBNSWX:NYSE:SWX:CSB) is a leading global company dedicated to producing high-value effects for its customers' products. We strive to be the partner of choice for our customers, offering them innovative products and one-stop expert service. We create effects that improve the quality of life - adding performance, protection, colour and strength to plastics, paper, automobiles, buildings, home and personal care products and much more. Ciba Specialty Chemicals is active in more than 120 countries around the world and is committed to be a leader in its chosen markets. In 2006, the Company's continued operations generated sales of CHF 6.4 billion and invested CHF 270 million in R&D.

  For more information, visit http://www.cibasc.com/

  About BT


BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries.  Its principal activities include networked IT services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services.  BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.

In the year ended 31 March 2006, BT Group plc's revenue was £19,514 million with profit before taxation of 2,040 million pounds Sterling.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group.  BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

For more information, visit http://www.bt.com/aboutbt 

DATASOURCE: BT



CONTACT: Diane Noe of BT Americas Public Relations, [phone],





Web site:  http://www.btplc.com/

http://www.cibasc.com/

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