Visa Europe and BT network: prolonged partnership to improve credit card network

New five year managed services deal was signed between Visa Europe and BT network. Under the terms of the agreement Visa Europe is to migrate its transaction network onto BT's IP-based 21CN Global Network.

Previously Visa Europe signed a deal with BT in 2002 for the implementation of an IP network across Western Europe and a similar five-year deal in 2003 for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Thus, the new deal is a contract renewal with BT which means Visa’s migration to BT's new global network. The 21CN Global Network includes the company's established MPLS network - much of which was already IP-based before the strategic architecture was defined for 21CN.

Owing to the contract Visa's 4,600 member banks in 36 countries will have better support, business continuity and network security. As per statements made by BT with a single supplier and a flexible network further upgrades and developments will be made simpler than previously possible.