Asda shops around with Kcom

Deal sees Kcom save supermarket giant money as it installs private IP-based network

Kcom has snagged a deal with giant supermarket chain Asda to install a private IP-based network in place of its existing public services telephone network.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will see Kcom link all Asda's key sites in Leeds, Leicester and Wakefield, including built-in resilience to ensure the firm's day-to-day business operations can continue in the event of a fault.

It will also mean Asda can continue to centralise all its switchboards and expand its contact centre.

Richard Midgley, IT systems manager at Asda, said: “We saw in Kcom a partner that shared our desire to pass cost savings on to customers. Kcom offered us a reliable solution combined with a competitive model, with a clear return on investment, which will be an important enabler to other key Asda initiatives.

"With resilience at the core of Kcom’s design and the 24/7 managed service it provides, we now have more time and resources concentrated on business growth and customer satisfaction. This has allowed us to invest in a more effective central customer interface and focus on scaling up our online sales and non-food operations.”

Elizabeth Bramwell, sales director at Kcom, added: “We fully embrace Asda’s customer-centric approach and are delighted that the solution will contribute to ensuring that its customers receive a better customer service as well as low prices.”