Orange Business Services Provides Global Network to Shipping Industry Leader ZIM

PARIS--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--ZIM, one of the world’s largest shipping container companies, has selected Orange Business Services to rationalize further its global MPLS network.

“Orange Business Services responded to this need. Its strategy and portfolio allow us to move forward with our business while being assured we will have a partner all along the road that is capable of adapting to our needs.”

Under a multiple-year contract, this future-ready network will include optimized routing, guaranteed business continuity and backup solutions, as well as a unified communications and cloud computing services-ready platform and is underpinned by SLAs adapted by site.

A shipping industry leader headquartered in Haifa, Israel, ZIM will use its global network to support its more than 100 vessels, carrying more than 2,000,000 containers yearly, and 6,000 employees serving ports of call in more than 120 countries.

“We were looking for a reliable, transparent business communications partner, not simply a network services provider,” said Mr. Dudi Avni, CIO, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd.

“Orange Business Services responded to this need. Its strategy and portfolio allow us to move forward with our business while being assured we will have a partner all along the road that is capable of adapting to our needs.”

Orange Business Services has a strong track record in the shipping and maritime industries, providing a wide range of services – from satellite communications systems to telepresence – to 8 of the top 10 container shipping companies in the world.

“The Orange global MPLS network is delivering significant benefits to ZIM and is supporting its business worldwide,” said Helmut Reisinger, senior vice president, Orange Business Services Europe. “For ZIM, we are providing a global network for its mission-critical sites that provides optimized value for money and meets the customer’s goal of reducing network management costs. This extremely reliable network improves round-trip delay and ensures superior site availability, both very important benefits for a leader in the shipping industry.”

About ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd.

ZIM Integrated Shipping Ltd is one of the leading carriers in the global container shipping industry. ZIM’s fleet comprises over 100 modern vessels, with a total carrying capacity of over 337,000 TEU.

ZIM is committed to providing reliable, flexible shipping solutions based on expertise gained from over 66 years of experience. ZIM cultivates long-term partnerships with its customers, delivering a range of about 60 services adapted to meeting their specific needs.

About Orange Business Services

Orange Business Services, the France Telecom-Orange branch dedicated to B2B services, is a leading global integrator of communications solutions for multinational corporations. With the world's largest, seamless network for voice and data, Orange Business Services reaches 220 countries and territories with local support in 166. Offering a comprehensive package of communication services covering cloud computing, enterprise mobility, M2M, security, unified communications, videoconferencing, and broadband, Orange Business Services delivers a best-in-class customer experience across a global landscape.

Thousands of enterprise customers and 1.4 million mobile data users rely on an Orange Business Services international platform for communicating and conducting business. Orange Business Services is a four-time winner of Best Global Operator at the World Communication Awards. Learn more at www.orange-business.com.

France Telecom-Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with 172,000 employees worldwide and sales of 10.9 billion euros in the first three months of 2012. Orange is the Group's single brand for Internet, television and mobile services in the majority of countries where the company operates. France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris (compartment A) and on the New York Stock Exchange.

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Brand Services Limited, Orange France or France Telecom.