03 April 2006
NETWORK OVERHAUL ACCOMMODATES TEN FOLD INCREASE IN USAGE AND NEW E-GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGIES AT PRESTON CITY COUNCIL
Advanced network capabilities achieved using the first 3Com 8800 infrastructure solution in UK
Preston City Council has completed the rollout of an IP-ready network restructure, designed and implemented in partnership with Logicalis Network Solutions. As part of a five-year infrastructure project, the deal will provide Preston with greater functionality, capacity and network resilience to support future e-Government initiatives and accommodate a ten-fold increase in staff.
"We were under increasing pressure to implement some of the e-Government initiatives and adopt a series of new applications which included replacing our financial accounting, revenues, benefits, and payroll/HR systems. Our old network was struggling to cope with the demands put upon it and it was constantly ‘falling over'. ICT resources were constantly being used for fire-fighting to keep the network up and running, which left precious little time for future development," said Allan Orient, ICT Infrastructure Manager at Preston City Council.
The 3Com based infrastructure supports six permanent council buildings and 20 remote sites including the Council's Contact Centre and One-Stop Shop, Museum, leisure centres and theatres. Over the past five years the number of end users accessing Preston's core network has grown from nearly 200 to over 1200, many of whom were previously using ‘dumb' terminals on disparate networks. Integrating these council workers onto a centrally supported network has given them access to shared intelligence enabling more informed decisions.
Allan Orient continued, "Our employees are far more confident working with the new network. Their day is no longer interrupted by bottlenecks of traffic at the core, and they are really beginning to appreciate the benefit of new interactive applications that are streamlining operations at the Council. The transition to the new network has been gradual and with minimal disruption to the whole workforce as each department's migration was handled separately."
Mike Sparkes, Infrastructure Practice Manager at Logicalis Network Solutions, added, "The 3Com infrastructure satisfied the Council's original aims for a resilient network that will support the latest applications and a growing number of staff. Preston City Council will also be able to capitalise on the benefits of such an advanced network in the future. We are looking forward to continuing our work with Preston to develop their network services further."
Moving forward, Preston City Council are investigating the use of wireless technologies to help roaming workers connect securely to the corporate network from wherever they are, and to continue the development of online public services. The new network is IPT-ready and will support their plans to migrate to IP Telephony in the near future.
Ends
Logicalis Network Solutions
Logicalis is an international provider of integrated ICT solutions, delivering secure, converged computing and communications infrastructure and services.
We can provide the architecture, deployment, integration and management of networks and systems to deliver leading edge solutions that create value for our customers and meet their business needs now and into the future.
Logicalis is a trusted provider of multi-vendor solutions and services operating in the most complex and challenging business environments. Our relationships with the industry's leading technology suppliers, combined with our business understanding enable you to invest with confidence.
The Logicalis Group is a division of Datatec Limited, a $3 billion publicly listed business. With international headquarters in the UK, the Group has operations in the US, UK, Germany, and South America.
Preston City Council
Preston was granted city status in 2002 as part of the Queens Jubilee celebrations. Since then it has gone from strength to strength. This was further substantiated by the expansion of the student population to 25,000 at Central Lancashire University which has now become the fourth largest campus in the UK. Preston is on the threshold of a major regeneration through a £450 million redevelopment of the city centre. With more investment being put into technology within Preston, it had the honour of announcing that they were the first "Wireless City in the UK" in early 2005. This project has been further enhanced by the addition of more "Hotspots" within the City.
In order to meet the extra demand for the Councils facilities, and indeed for it to go forward with its technology needs for at least the next 5 years, the authority decided in mid 2004 to invest in a new core infrastructure. It is pleased with the new partnership with Logicalis and a number of developments have already taken place.
For further information contact
Charlotte Sandy or Ruth Walters
Tel: 01291 626200
charlottes@cohesive.uk.com, ruthw@cohesive.uk.com