SBC lands American Red Cross

SBC Communications has landed a big corporate fish from the middle of Verizon's home pond. The San Antonio-based company today announced a $59.7 million five-year contract to provide managed services to the American Red Cross, beginning with seven sites throughout the Washington, D.C. and Falls Church, Va., area.

The contract includes voice, data and wireless transport services, as well as audio and Web conferencing services.

"We consider any win of this size significant, because it was a competitive bid," said an SBC spokesman, who downplayed the significance of winning corporate business in Verizon's territory. "Their RFP included three key elements--cost performance, customer service and a single supplier--so winning on those elements is important to us."

SBC PremierSERVSM Managed Services will ultimately be used to link other locations around the country. The American Red Cross provides emergency relief, blood donation service and other disaster aid.