Cable & Wireless launches business application service
ATLANTA - Cable & Wireless a-Services, formally launched today at Networld+Interop, promises to provide a total solution combining hosted business applications with Internet access, end user Internet appliances such as desktop PCs and handheld devices, and 24x7 services and support.
It was formed through a strategic alliance with Compaq Computer Corp. in November 1999. Microsoft Corp. joined the alliance in June this year.
Business in a Box
Cable & Wireless a-Services' first offering, a-Workspace with Microsoft applications, delivers an end-to-end
computing service from a single source for small and medium-sized businesses for a single per user monthly fee.
A-Workspace includes a hosted virtual desktop - built on Microsoft Windows 2000 and Internet Explorer - on which application services can be launched and data securely stored.
The initial application services available, Microsoft Office 2000 and Microsoft Exchange 2000, are hosted on Compaq servers and storage area networks within Cable & Wireless' data centers which are located directly on Cable & Wireless' global IP network.
The total solution comprises:
A-Workspace is enabled by Compaq server platforms and storage architecture, systems integration and managed services and support for the design of the application hosting centers and associated operational support systems.
Compaq Global Services is providing all customer care and help desk services for Cable & Wireless a-Services.
Availability and pricing
A-Workspace with Microsoft Office 2000 and Exchange 2000 is now available in the United States. The service will
be available in the UK in October 2000, in Australia by December 2000, and in the rest of Europe by next year.
Future application services delivered on the a-Workspace platform will include sales force automation, financial accounting, supply chain management and e-commerce applications.
The service is available on a monthly per user fee from US$169 with Microsoft Office 2000 and from US$189 for Microsoft Office 2000 and Microsoft Exchange 2000 under a 24-month contract. For customers that sign on for the service before January 1, 2001, the per user start up fee will be waived.