ICT services group, UXC Limited (ASX:UXC), through its business unit Integ Communications, has won a major Alcatel IP telephony contract with big 4 accounting firm Ernst & Young in one of Australia's largest IP rollouts.

The Ernst & Young deal involves the roll out of 6,000 handsets and unified communications across eight sites nationally. The rollout will give Ernst & Young's 3,500 staff in Australia access to information and business tools anywhere, any time, from any device.

Ernst & Young is embarking on a large-scale project to relocate offices in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, and as part of that move re-evaluated its communications options. After comprehensive analysis considering functionality, cost, future capabilities, support and maintenance, Ernst & Young found an IP-based network was the most appropriate and cost effective decision.

Ernst & Young's IP telephony rollout is one of the largest in Australia. The project comprises an IP telephony network and advanced communications applications, along with design, project management, deployment, training and ongoing support.

Stephen Arnold, CIO, Ernst & Young, Australia, said, "After a complete study 18 months ago, we decided that IP Telephony would support us and our needs."

Ian Poole, CEO, Integ, said, "Designing an IP telephony solution for a company with such an emphasis on quality and staff was very exciting for Integ. Ernst & Young's need to cater for a large mobile workforce, allowed us to introduce the latest customised applications to deliver the efficiencies, value and tangible business benefits that IP telephony can now offer."

Ernst & Young began its nationwide implementation – six capital cities and two smaller Queensland-based offices – in October 2004.