Alcatel (www.alcatel.com) recently signed a global supply agreement with Nestle to deploy Alcatel's IP-voice communications equipment in Nestle's facilities around the world. "Standardization of voice IP communication solutions will provide Nestle with reliable interoperability, reduced costs, simplified network management, and improved information processes," Alcatel said in a release announcing the contract.

Nestle, the world's largest food company, operates more than 1,500 facilities, including 508 factories in 85 countries on five continents. The company employs more than 250,000 people worldwide. Nestle will install Alcatel IP to replace some of its 200,000 voice lines over the next five years.

At the center of the five-year supply agreement is Alcatel's OmniPCX Enterprise, which will allow Nestle to continue using TDM voice services while migrating to IP-based calls.