Royal & Sun converges with Energis

NEWS Insurance giant Royal & Sun Alliance has taken its first step to converging systems in a multi-million deal with Energis. The insurance company is to scrap its existing voice networks and bundle all its data and voice into a VPN. The move is designed to initially cut costs, particularly on its voice net, but is also intended to be the base for ‘new, innovative services’ according to Royal & Sun. Tony Brown, group UK director for strategic change and IS, said: "This new deal is another step on our journey to achieve increased efficiency through new technology." Energis already carries all of the company's inbound and outbound telephony. A company spokesman said: "It's early days, but we are very excited about exploring the range of possibilities. For example, the ability to use voice activation over what is effectively a web-based service could be a better experience for our customers." The deal will bundle all of the insurance company's UK sites and businesses, including MORE TH>N, insurance brokers and remote workers. In addition, Energis will carry over 140 million call minutes per year to the group's UK call centres.