Diageo Picks Cisco Equipment for Global VoIP Solution

August 16, 2002 -- Network equipment manufacturer Cisco Systems (cisco.com) announced on Friday that it has been chosen by drinks business Diageo PLC to provide an IP Telephony solution, including 2,000 IP phones, for its new global headquarters.

One of the world’s largest premium drinks businesses, Diageo manufactures a collection of brands that includes Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray and Captain Morgan.

Cisco says Diageo is implementing the IP telephony in support of its internal Ways for Working initiative, intended to encourage progressive working styles and drive employee productivity.

According to Cisco, the solution will provide more coherent support for a set of desktop services for Diageo’s employees, fulfilling requirements for flexible working. Those requirements include extension mobility; allowing users to configure any phone as their own; hot-desking, allowing users to uccupy a desk as required; and XML user services including phone directory integration.

The solution will also incorporate the Cisco Unity voicemail solution, including Cisco Personal Assistant, will streamline communications and help users manage how they are reached.

"Working with Diageo is testimony to our leading position in the IP Telephony market," commented Mike Ansley, Head of Voice Technologies, Cisco Systems EMEA. "Businesses are increasingly recognising the benefits that IP Telephony solutions can provide in increasing employee mobility and productivity, along with a real return on investment due to the lower cost of ownership involved in operating converged networks."