Interoute, which claims to be the owner and operator of Europes largest and most advanced voice and data network, is already in discussion with printers and publishers about carrying their data.

Heading up its media services division is Lee Myall, formerly Wam!Net European sales director, who joined at the end of last year.

Weve had contact from print and publishing companies looking for fault tolerant systems, said Myall.

He said the firm could provide ISP, VPN and more specific services and could run any necessary file transfer or necessary workflow software on its network.

It is planning to unveil its own package, but declined to reveal details of the partner it is working with yet.

Interoute launched its media services division last summer with the acquisition of Virtue Media Services from Virtue Broadcasting. Virtue Media Services customers include EMI, BMG Universal and News International.

Myall said that although its current focus was on music, it did have sales and support staff with print and publishing knowledge, and was in the process of recruiting more.

Story by Barney Cox