Avaya completes DMC, DIC phase two and three communications infrastructure

Avaya, a leading global provider of voice and data networks to businesses, has announced the completion of the communications infrastructure of phases two and three of Dubai Media City (DMC) and Dubai Internet City (DIC) respectively, making the free zones home to one of the world`s largest commercial Internet Protocol (IP) Telephony systems.

The free zones` entire communications network infrastructures have been built using Avaya`s industry leading SYSTIMAX Structured Connectivity solutions.

Ahmad Bin Byat, Director General of the Dubai Technology, E-Commerce and Media Free Zone (TECOM), the holding company of DIC and DMC, said of the phase completion: "From the start we promised to provide DIC and DMC tenants with world class infrastructure. Our vision has always been to supply cutting-edge technological support and we are delivering."

The 32 000 square metre regional IT and media hub, is the Middle East`s largest IT-build with some 60 000 fibre connections, nearly 87 000 copper connections and 4 500 kilometres of Avaya GigaSPEED copper cable.

"To make DIC and DMC world-class locations for IT and media companies, we wanted to combine the best end-to-end communications performance with the highest possible reliability. The seamless integration of Avaya`s SYSTIMAX cabling solutions coupled with industry leading guarantees was the natural choice," said Bin Byat.

"Dubai is the regional headquarters of many international organisations. Geographical dispersion means effective communications is paramount. Nowhere else in the region will you find IT infrastructure to match our offering."

A total of 15 buildings, including five in the recently completed DIC phase three, have been equipped with Avaya`s GigaSPEED copper cabling and Avaya OptiSPEED fibre optic cabling solutions.

"Avaya`s industry-leading SYSTIMAX GigaSPEED solution comfortably supports Gigabit Ethernet and gives customers unprecedented network performance in terms of bandwidth, data throughput and network efficiency, enabling them to operate more efficiently," said Martin Hennessey, Sales Director, Connectivity Solutions Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Greece, Avaya.

Where high-speed communications capacity is needed, OptiSPEED fibre backbones are used, giving tenants access to broadband Internet gateways and server farms, as well as Voice over IP (VOIP) services. Tenants also have the option to use OptiSPEED fibre-to-desk access for ultra-high throughput requirements.

"By working closely with DIC management, the communications infrastructure design is more than able to cope with the anticipated growth in demand for IT facilities within the free zones," said Hennessey.

For interconnection of the fibre infrastructure, Avaya`s LC connectors have been used in the data centre and main distribution frames in each building making the free zones the world`s largest user of this connector type.

DIC/DMC are also the world`s largest Avaya VisiPatch installations with more than 15 dedicated communication rooms containing Avaya`s 110 VisiPatch system. The patching hardware allows network changes, caused by movement of people or provision of new services, to be made with a minimum effort and disruption, as well as making it easier to detect and bypass network faults.

"We understand IT services play a key role in business operations and offering those services is only half the job. Our tenants need to be able to effectively access these resources. Connectivity is the cornerstone of communication and is something we would not compromise upon," added Bin Byat.

Avaya worked closely with DIC to meet tight deadlines, providing the free zones with connectivity solutions together with its regional business partners, Bond Communications, Seven Seas Computers and Telematics. During the first phase, seven buildings were successfully cabled within 21 days.

Since the launch of DIC and DMC, the free zones have attracted over 650 regional and global technology and media companies and more than 5 000 knowledge workers. Leading international free zone companies include Microsoft, Oracle, Canon, IBM, HP, MBC, Reuters, CNN and CNBC.