EDS announced recently a six-year, $700 million agreement to integrate the communications infrastructure for recently acquired MBNA Corporation into bank of america's state-of-the-art voice and data network.

Once the integration is complete, Bank of America's voice and data network will connect more than 200,000 associates in 5,800 retail banking centers and 50 contact centers. Furthermore, the network integration will span 30 states and the District of Columbia, linking 16,700 ATMs while facilitating Internet and telephone banking services.

In February 2003, EDS began transforming Bank of America's nationwide voice and data communications infrastructure into a stronger and more flexible one-stop solution for voice and data services as part of a 10-year, $4.5 billion contract. As part of the overall managed network services agreement with Bank of America, EDS provides secure telecommunications and networking solutions using voice-over IP technology, helpdesk services for the additional contact center and credit card processing locations.

"EDS complements Bank of America's commitment to a seamless acquisition by providing the network capability to quickly and flawlessly integrate MBNA into the current infrastructure," said Tom Warsop, EDS U.S. Financial Services industry vice president. "Our deep industry expertise will ensure that Bank of America continues to deliver exceptional customer service to its customers throughout the transition period."

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Prashanth Rai