The $47 million contract will see BT manage the company's communications infrastructure. This gives Standard Life access to a wide range of professional services and will enhance the overall level of service provided to customers.

The agreement includes the delivery and management of a BT Connect Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). It will also cover IP Telephony, contact centers, Contract Management, Service Management and the transition of the infrastructure to BT's IP Connect network.

The deal also supports Standard Life's need for a standardized and integrated voice and data platform across its international operations, providing domestic and international network services to the company's 16 UK offices, as well as centers in Boston, Chennai, Dublin, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Hyderabad Aida, Montreal, Paris, Pune and Sydney.

Paul Chong, Standard Life's Group IT and Commercial Director said: "BT understands our infrastructure and has vast experience in delivering complex domestic and international networking and outsourcing services. This network transformation will enable us to provide the highest standards of service to our customers, delivering on our commitment to provide them with a seamless global service."

Tom Regent, president, BT global banking and financial markets and global sales and marketing, said: "Standard Life needed an outsourcing partner who could give them depth of experience in domestic and international networking services with an extensive global reach. BT Global Services is perfectly placed to deliver this, so we look forward to building a long term strategic relationship with Standard Life, developing capabilities for both their UK and international offices."