Press release
Gloucestershire Constabulary selects ntl:Telewest Business for
IP infrastructure
- Delivering high-capacity voice and data network at new HQ (to
support requirements for efficiency and modernisation)
- First phase IP Telephony rollout to 500 operational and
civilian staff
- ntl:Telewest Business technology essential to Gloucestershire
Constabulary’s aim to become the UK’s “most operationally effective
force” by 2010.
3rd May 2006. Gloucestershire Constabulary has selected
ntl:Telewest Business to install a state-of-the-art 10GB IP
infrastructure in its new purpose-built headquarters. The
ntl:Telewest Business network will handle all of the voice and data
needs at Waterwells HQ, and will underpin mission-critical
applications across the force such as CCTV monitoring, emergency
services control and live ‘helitele’ helicopter feeds.
The new Waterwells HQ acts as the nucleus for all
Gloucestershire Police activities. The project’s first phase has
seen ntl:Telewest Business install the latest IP and LAN
technologies to provide a scalable environment for the 500
employees who are located on site at Waterwells. This will lay the
foundations for the wider rollout of IP Telephony to the full 2,100
workforce, located at 51 WAN sites across the county.
The move underpins the Constabulary’s commitment to becoming
“the most operationally effective force in the country by 2010.”
The need for police forces to effectively and efficiently share
information and resources in real time, while improving
productivity and reducing cost, is placing increasing pressure on
the existing communications infrastructure. The challenge for
Gloucestershire Constabulary was to build an infrastructure capable
of not only supporting today’s needs, but one that was scalable and
future-proof. Equipping its new HQ with IP Telephony will help the
Constabulary meet all these challenges as well as improving
productivity and efficiency and delivering cost savings through a
converged network. It will also facilitate the phased migration to
IP Telephony across the whole force.
ntl:Telewest Business was selected after a competitive procurement
process on the strength of its network, the depth of its experience
with the emergency services, and its partnership approach.
ntl:Telewest Business undertook a month’s intensive design work at
the beginning of the project and was also awarded a long term
contract to provide the ongoing professional and management support
for the network.
ntl:Telewest Business working as an accredited Cisco Gold
Partner designed the network using Cisco product and technology
expertise.
Technology in operation at the Gloucestershire Constabulary
Waterwells data centre includes:
- Resilient LAN Switching including 10GB Ethernet uplinks
- IP Telephony integrated with GPA’s legacy iSDX PBX network and
voicemail platform
- Cisco Extension Mobility, to enable personalised number
allocations
- WAN switching (ATM and Frame Relay)
- Network management
John Shepherd, Head of Information Systems at the Constabulary
said: “There is immense pressure to improve the reliability and
efficiency of services - to serve the community better and also
meet legislative demands. We looked at the new HQ development as an
opportunity for a fresh start. Installing innovative and robust ICT
solutions will help us to achieve our vision of becoming the most
operationally effective force in the country. We selected
ntl:Telewest Business because we trusted them implicitly to deliver
on time and to meet our rigorous needs. The solution has been
superb and everyone at Waterwells is delighted.”
Christopher Small at ntl:Telewest Business commented: “The
changing face of crime has highlighted the need for clear,
enforceable national standards and ICT systems to support them. The
HQ at Waterwells will be the new hub for Gloucestershire
Constabulary, directing activities across the entire county and
linking in at a national level. To be selected for this project is
a high accolade for ntl:Telewest Business - in this critical
environment we can accept no compromises.”
The high capacity data centre at Waterwells is intended as a
blueprint for upgrading other offices around the force.
Gloucestershire Constabulary and ntl:Telewest Business are now
planning a further two phases of the project. These will
include the rollout of IP Telephony to the full 2,100 strong
workforce and replacement of all network switches at the Cheltenham
Lansdown Road and Gloucester Bearland sites.
About ntl:Telewest Business
ntl:Telewest Business, part of the UK’s second
largest fixed-line telecommunications company, is a leading
communications provider to businesses, public sector organisations
and service providers in the UK. It delivers a complete portfolio
of voice, data and internet solutions nation-wide.
ntl:Telewest Business sales and support
teams are located across the UK, in close proximity to our
customers, as part of a commitment to deliver superior customer
service.
ntl:Telewest Business delivers services over
the Group’s £13bn investment in its state-of-the-art
infrastructure giving business customers access to the largest
alternative network in the UK.
ntl:Telewest Business is trusted to provide
critical communications to high profile customers
including: Heathrow's Terminal 5, Birmingham City Council
and Cambridgeshire County Council.
For further information go to http://www.ntltelewestbusiness.co.uk/
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