Datatec`s e-integration arm, Logical, has completed systems integration and implementation of the world`s largest voice-over IP (VOIP) network for New Zealand`s Ministry of Social Policy.
With a total cost of US$3,7-million (about R28-million), the VOIP network connects 8 000 handsets spread across 210 offices and manages 150 000 calls a day. The core of the network is Cisco`s AVVID (Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data) solution which provides a single IP-based voice, video and data infrastructure.
Says Logical New Zealand Managing Director, Murray Jurgeleit: "This is a project which is still attracting global interest. Cisco`s AVVID technology presents a pretty compelling case for medium to large companies thinking about running a multiservice network solution over IP."
Implementation took less than six months from system design and testing. Completion of the project allowed the Ministry of Social Policy to discard 130 old PBX phone systems. National calls will now cost the same as a local call. The project accounts for more than 40% of the New Zealand government`s non-call-centre phone use.
Although the number of telephones in the ministry`s three business units has jumped from 6000 to 8000, operating costs remain unchanged. This is helped by the fact that the only on-site equipment required is the new internet-enabled telephones, which also double as data ports for computer connections.
Because of its simplicity, the new system also makes for easy expansion when new offices are opened.
The new IP Telephone system actually covers three government agencies - the Ministry of Social Policy (MSP), the Department of Work and Income (DWI), and the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services (CYF). The Ministry of Social Policy is responsible for the project because it manages the Information Technology infrastructure for the three agencies.
The highly efficient infrastructure is based on Internet Protocol technology, which is capable of allowing voice traffic to be carried on the same network as data and video traffic.
The design included Cisco 1700, 2600 and 3600 Series routers at the branch offices connecting to Cisco 2900 Series switches for branch device connectivity. The ATM core was built around Cisco 7200VXR routers with Catalyst 5500 multilayer switches providing interconnection between the core and distribution layers at each of the four core sites.
This design approach, along with intelligent Quality of Service capabilities, resulted in predictable data paths and consistent latency throughout the network. The IP telephony solution is built using an Internet-based call processing model and logically overlays the Cisco network infrastructure.
The Chief Executive of the Ministry of Social Policy, Dame Margaret Bazley, says: "Combining phone and data systems provides significant benefits, including lower phone call costs, simpler network administration and support and increased flexibility to meet expanding telephone and computer network needs well into the future."
For more information please see our web site at www.datatec.co.za
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Datatec
Datatec Ltd, South Africa`s most global company, is a rapidly expanding global networking and e-services group listed on the JSE. At group level Datatec is an active technology holding company with a core competence in the timely identification, acquisition and integration of high-tech businesses and technologies in the global networking, Internet and e-business spaces. Datatec`s divisions, subsidiaries and associate companies encompass the worldwide provision of advanced networking products to the channel as well as a range of Internet and e-business services and solutions. The company employs more than 4000 people around the world, has operations on six continents and has just achieved revenues of over R9.5bn for the first half of their 2001 financial year. International operations now contribute in excess of 94% to both the group`s revenues and profits.
Logical
Logical is an e-business integration and services company with operations worldwide and is a division of JSE-listed Datatec Ltd (www.datatec-group.com). By applying its skills in integrating best-of-breed technologies, Logical designs, deploys and manages customised infrastructures and applications for organisations transitioning themselves into e-businesses for the New Economy. These Internet-based solutions deliver tangible cost, convenience and time saving advantages and range from single applications sourced from Logical, through entire information infrastructures backed by services and running large e-business applications, to completely outsourced e-business solutions run from Logical `s e-Business Operating Centres (eBOCs) situated in key locations around the world. Logical`s customers are medium-sized companies and departments of larger enterprises. Logical is headquartered in London, UK, and employs 2,500 people across operations in the USA, South America, Europe, South Africa and Australasia. For more see www.logical.com.