InfoWorld 100 Awards Recognize BT's 21st Century Network

NEW YORK, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- BT has been announced as a winner of IDG's InfoWorld 100 awards for 2005. BT was recognized for its 21st Century Network (21CN), one of the most ambitious network transformation projects in the communications world today and one of the largest single procurement programs ever in the communications industry. Through 21CN, BT will deliver its vision of a converged, multimedia world where customers can access any communications service from any device, anywhere, at broadband speed.

The annual InfoWorld 100 awards honor the corporate IT projects that demonstrate the most creative use of cutting-edge technologies to further their business goals. To be considered, projects must stretch beyond the typical, off-the-shelf solution, using multiple technologies in innovative ways to serve well-defined business goals.

"IT departments continue to learn hard lessons about business realities and realistic ROI," said Eric Knorr, executive editor-at-large. "The InfoWorld 100 provides a forum for IT managers to get the recognition they deserve for smart projects from an audience of their peers."

BT will invest up to 10 billion pound Sterling (USD $18 billion) over the next 5 years in 21CN, creating the enabling infrastructure for growth at BT underpinning the company's strategy to deliver information communications technology, mobility and broadband services.

"BT is driving the future of innovation through the 21CN network transformation, which is unprecedented in both size and scope. By moving to an IP-based converged infrastructure globally, BT will reduce costs and complexity in the network and will be able to deliver a wide range of new converged communications to businesses, consumers and the wider telecoms industry. 21CN represents an exciting time for BT -- it will accelerate our transformation from a traditional telecoms company to the number one global networked IT services company" said Matt Bross, CTO, BT.

InfoWorld's Special Report, announcing the 2005 winners is available at: http://www.infoworld.com/3573.

For more information on BT's 21CN, go to: http://www.btwholesale.com/application?origin=children.jsp&event=bea.portal.fr amework.internal.refresh&pageid=wide_article_new&nodeId=navigation/node/data/o ur_business/hot_topics/21cn

About BT

BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions serving customers in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific. Its principal activities include networked IT services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services.

  BT consists principally of three lines of business:

  * BT Retail, providing a comprehensive range of communications and related
    services to more than 20 million UK consumers and businesses.
  * BT Wholesale, providing network services and solutions within the UK to
    more than 600 fixed and mobile operators and service providers including
    the provision of broadband and private circuits.
  * BT Global Services, providing networked IT services to meet the needs of
    multi-site organisations globally.  BT Global Services operates in more
    than 130 countries and also offers international carrier services.

From January 2006, there will be a fourth business called Openreach. This business will be responsible for the nationwide local BT network which covers the "first mile" of wires that connects homes and businesses across the UK to their service providers. Openreach will provide communications providers with services and products associated with that network.

In the year ended 31 March 2005, BT Group's turnover was 18,623 million pounds with profit before taxation of 2,354 million pounds.

BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group.

For more information, visit http://www.bt.com/aboutbt

A wide selection of BT images are available for download via the image library at http://www.vismedia.co.uk/.

About InfoWorld Media Group

InfoWorld Media Group helps senior technologists connect technology and business strategy for maximum impact at their organizations. Through integrated channels including online, events, demand generation and a weekly print magazine, InfoWorld reaches the most influential senior-level information technologists -- those who drive their enterprises' strategies and technology purchases. Powered by a continued investment in an independent Test Center, InfoWorld analysts and editors provide both hands-on analysis and evaluation, as well as expert commentary on issues surrounding emerging technologies and products. Visit InfoWorld at http://www.infoworld.com/.

About International Data Group (IDG)

International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, research, and event company. A privately-held company, IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers including Bio-IT World, CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Macworld, Network World, and PC World. The company features the largest network of technology-specific Web sites with more than 400 around the world. IDG is also a leading producer of more than 170 computer-related events worldwide including LinuxWorld Conference & Expo(R), Macworld Conference & Expo(R), DEMO(R), and IDC Directions. IDC provides global market research and advice through offices in 50 countries. Company information is available at http://www.idg.com/.