National foodservice organisation Compass Group has signed a multi-million-dollar, three-year contract with managed internet services provider Hostworks (ASX:HWG) for an extended relationship between the companies.

Hostworks provides Compass Group with round-the-clock access to critical business systems, including its Oracle Financials solution. Compass,of the world’s largest foodservice company, has 10,000 employees serving an average of 150,000 meals daily at more than 600 sites Australia-wide.

Under the deal, Compass Group will rely on Hostworks to provide 24-hour, seven-day availability of its IT systems as well as access to high-level technical expertise.

Compass Group IT services manager Sonny Bui said, “Hostworks provides us with completely reliable infrastructure, the capacity to meet any demand and high level skills from its staff.

“This allows us to operate with a small IT team focused on enhancing our business results rather than just keeping the infrastructure running.

“We also want the relationship to grow moving forward. Hostworks' technical expertise and dedication has been exemplary and a strong point in the success of our relationship.”

Compass' contract with Hostworks replaces an agreement that has run since 2001. Hostworks will continue to deliver Compass Group's corporate intranet which provides supply chain management, financial management and payroll services for employees in diverse locations. Hostworks also provides architecture consulting services, capacity planning, Storage Area Network management and maintenance of multiple Frame Relay and ISDN connections.

Mr Bui said Hostworks was a strategic partner. “Hostworks is an invaluable partner who ensures that our critical applications remain available at all times,” he said.

“Hostworks’ high availability infrastructure and facilities have allowed us to easily achieve our Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery strategy and goals. Their personnel are flexible and always willing to work around us where possible. They’re not rigid, which is a general attitude that makes them easy to work with.”

Hostworks managing director Marty Gauvin said the Compass deal continued Hostworks’ success in extending its relationships with major customers. “This increases our sector leadership and the strength of our contracted operating revenues as well as creating new opportunities,” he said.