Helsinki, Finland (November 11, 2002) - Balfour Beatty has chosen Nokia IP Series network security appliances through managed service provider, Vistorm, to secure its corporate network across Europe, South America and Asia. The Nokia appliances combine VPN-1®/FireWall-1® software solutions from Check Point Software Technologies (NASDAQ: CHKP) and comprise the Nokia IP 300, 500 and 600 Series of small, mid and high-end network appliances.

 

Balfour Beatty Rail is the UK’s largest rail engineering and services provider and is an international leader in rail engineering projects- serving markets worldwide.

 

The Balfour Beatty Rail acquisition of the Adtranz rail electrification and traction power business from DaimlerChrysler Rail Systems in November 2000 created the challenge of integrating 6 new locations around the world with those of the existing German-based business.  The new Balfour Beatty Rail Power System (BBRPS) division designs, manages, installs and commissions railway electrification systems and services internationally, with particular expertise in high-speed and conductor rail technology and traction power supply systems and equipment.

 

With this growth of business, Balfour Beatty Rail required a secure and cost-effective communications platform, efficient IT infrastucture management and secure, reliable and easily-deployable IP VPN network security solutions. For its global operation, the company therefore chose Nokia's IP world class and award-winning IP network security appliances delivered by managed service provider, Vistorm.

 

The primary objective was to establish a worldwide data network to support its systems and to enhance continuous growth. To enable the use of such an infrastructure, secure Internet access also had to be provided to all major offices.  The Nokia solution was chosen to link the Balfour Beatty Rail offices with all BBRPS locations; achieve physical network separation from Adtranz within twelve months; provide secure Internet access to all major offices and reduce IT support costs globally. 

 

Nigel Homewood, Balfour Beatty Rail’s IT Manager, said: “A faster, more efficient network with increased reliability and security were our goals. In the past we may have considered security as a necessary evil but today there can be no doubt that global operations ensure that network access and authentication are now a critical element of any technology solution.”  Homewood adds, "The Nokia solution integrated with Check Point VPN-1/FireWall-1 is a must for network security needs. Vistorm's managed services were also second to none and reduced IT support costs globally. We have made them the preferred supplier for IP-VPNs within Balfour Beatty."

 

Ernie Jones, Nokia Internet Communications vice president of sales, Europe, Middle East & Africa adds, “International companies driving the growth of business through acquisition need to ensure their IT infrastructure is managed effectively to enable quick and easy deployment of technology.  Balfour Beatty Rail recognised that investment in a world-class corporate network security solution from Nokia could allow them to benefit from cost savings and communications flexibility whilst protecting sensitive business information. It is Nokia’s continued commitment to provide solutions which connect people securely and efficiently.”

 

About Balfour Beatty Rail:

Balfour Beatty serves the international markets for rail, road and power systems, buildings and complex structures. Our aim is to create shareholder value by providing engineering, construction and service skills to customers for whom infrastructure quality and reliability are critical.

This can be seen in the work we undertake in extending the rail system in and around Hong Kong; in providing the climate monitoring control systems for hospitals in the UK and USA; in our partnership with MEPC for building construction; in our road management and maintenance work for the Highways Authority and Local Authorities; in retrofitting bridges in California against the possibility of earthquake damage; in running the power system of the London Underground; and in providing the full range of non-clinical services for the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

In each of our four business sectors we are able to work right across the supply chain, from initial concept to whole-life management. We are specialists in the management of complexity and the project and risk management skills associated with it.

We are committed to customer satisfaction, first-class service, safety and a responsible approach to the environment.

www.balfourbeatty.com

 

About Vistorm: 

Vistorm helps organisations who recognise they need specialist assistance to realise the benefits of deploying breakthrough infrastructure technologies. Vistorm delivers solutions and managed services based on its Internet security and server-based computing expertise with the right mix of technical skill, thought leadership and implementation capabilities.

 

Formed in 1991, Vistorm has delivered solutions and services to many of the Times Top 500 companies. Vistorm provides services in conjunction with leading technology companies including Check Point Software, Microsoft, Citrix Systems, and Nokia to customers in over 50 countries from its HQ in the UK.

 

For more information visit www.vistorm.com.

 

About Nokia Internet Communications

Nokia Internet Communications, headquartered in Mountain View, California, provides world-class Network Security, Virtual Private Network and Internet Traffic Management solutions that ensure the security and reliability of corporate enterprise and managed service provider networks. Nokia is committed to enhancing the end user experience by bringing a new level of security and reliability to the network, enabling and Internet transaction that is personal and trusted-each and every time.

 

For more information, please visit www.nokia.com and click on Secure Network Solutions. Nokia Internet security and virtual private network appliances span the spectrum of price/performance points, and secure the widest range of network environments-from the smallest branch office to the largest Internet data center.  The expansive product line, backed by world-class global support and services, provides customers the ability to deploy multiple solutions from a single product to secure all elements of a distributed enterprise.

 

About Nokia

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

For more information (Media and Industry Analysts only please):

 

Nokia Internet Communications:

EMEA (UK based)

Claire Backhurst

Tel. +44 7788 145460

claire.backhurst@nokia.com

 

Americas (California based)

Amy Grenier, Interactive Public Relations for Nokia Internet Communications

Tel. + 1 415 391 1106 x227

amy@ipri.com

 

APAC (Singapore based)

Bonnie Datta

Tel. +6597389743

bonnie.datta@nokia.com

 

www.nokia.com

 

Balfour Beatty plc

Corporate Communications Department
130 Wilton Road
London
SW1V 1LQ

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7216 6800 or 6801
Fax: +44 (0)20 7216 6902

 

Vistorm

Lisa Nottage / Emma Richards

Kaizo

Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7580 8852

Email: firstname.lastname@kaizo.net