Progressive Enterprises awards Gen-i contract

Progressive Enterprises awards Gen-i five year telecommunications contract

Auckland, 10 September, 2008 – Gen-i and Progressive Enterprises Limited have signed a five year contract that extends their existing telecommunications relationship to include the upgrade of Progressive’s New Zealand ICT infrastructure.

Gen-i is now transitioning Progressive’s approximately 150 stores to a managed services environment, taking on full accountability for the seamless delivery of end-to-end operations, monitoring and management of its telecommunications.

Progressive Enterprises is part of Woolworths Limited, and owns the Foodtown, Countdown and Woolworths supermarkets across New Zealand. The new infrastructure upgrade is part of a Woolworths technology transformation of its New Zealand business that will enhance the service, range and availability of products for customers.

The new agreement includes the provision of data connectivity, managed WAN and LAN services, managed VoIP, voice services (0800 and calling services), mobile (voice and data), internet/extranet, and transition management.

“We’re delighted to partner with a successful local ICT provider for our telecommunications and technology solutions. Gen-i has proven to be flexible, innovative and committed to understanding our business,” said Peter Smith, Progressive’s Managing Director.

As part of the upgrade, Progressive plans to introduce advanced point-of-sale and logistics solutions already in use in Woolworths stores in Australia.

Dan Beecham, Chief Information Officer for Woolworths Australia and New Zealand, said, “This infrastructure upgrade is part of a multi-million dollar investment by Woolworths across our New Zealand business. Our new systems ensure we have the products our customers want on our shelves, when our customers want them.”

Chris Quin, Gen-i’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “This new contract is a great endorsement of Progressive’s trust in our people, advice and ability to deliver a total ICT capability.

“One of the key reasons for Gen-i’s success was our ability to take the time to understand Progressive’s business and deliver a flexible, end-to-end solution. We look forward to building a long term strategic partnership with the Progressive team on both sides of the Tasman as it embarks on an exciting period of change designed to further enhance its services to New Zealand consumers.”

The agreement follows a number of other business wins for Gen-i across New Zealand and Australia, reinforcing Gen-i’s place as the leading ICT services company in New Zealand, with pole positions in both mindshare and marketshare (according to IDC).

About Progressive Enterprises

Progressive Enterprises Limited operates Foodtown, Woolworths and Countdown supermarkets and employs more than 18,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in New Zealand. Progressive is a subsidiary of Woolworths Limited.

About Gen-i

Gen-i is at the forefront of helping customers take advantage of the convergence of technology and telecommunications, and the new opportunities this makes possible. Gen-i works alongside its 3,300 corporate, government and business customers to deliver seamless and integrated ICT solutions. A member of the Telecom New Zealand Group, Gen-i achieves this with the support of 3,300 highly skilled people in 17 locations across New Zealand and Australia. For more information on Gen-i, visit www.gen-i.co.nz

ENDS

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