News

Sprint, BMW sign multimillion-dollar agreement

December 6, 2004

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Sprint announced a new three-year, multimillion-dollar agreement with BMW Group Data Center Americas. According to a news release, Sprint will provide data network services that will enable the automaker to connect its operations in North America, South America and Latin America. Sprint's data services will help provide secure and reliable network connectivity among BMW's 31 locations throughout the Americas, including BMW Manufacturing Co., BMW's only automotive factory in the United States.

In May, Sprint announced that BMW Group was utilizing its high-speed wireless technology to connect portable kiosks to promote its new X3 Sports Activity Vehicle. The portable kiosks utilize Sprint PCS Connection Cards by Sierra Wireless, allowing them to connect a network without the need of a landline connection.

Under the latest agreement, Sprint will provide all data services to BMW Group in the Americas, including a highly secure peerless IP (Internet protocol) network. Sprint is also teaming with strategic alliance partner Cisco Systems to deliver advanced, high-speed data services through an IP Virtual Private Network (VPN).

The agreement also includes Internet private line services and high-speed Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) data services, which allow for both voice and data communications over a single, converged network.

"Network reliability and performance are critical to our ability to conduct business efficiently," said Danny Marzka, senior network engineer with BMW Group Data Center Americas. "Sprint not only offers the security of the peerless IP network, but also the breadth of services, net-work assets and relationships to meet our other communications needs. With Sprint, we found not only a reliable network provider but, just as important, an account team who was willing to work with us and get to know our business. Their technical expertise and flexibility were key components in our decision making."

See related story: Wireless, surfboard-shaped kiosk key to BMW campaign