Logical, the networking and systems integrator subsidiary of Datatec, has teamed up with Cisco and an international property firm in Australia to create the world`s first "utility-style" wireless local area network (LAN).
A four-storey, 2 000 square metre building in Sydney`s CBD managed by Colliers International is being refurbished and equipped with built-in wireless connections that will be available from any part of the premises. Tenants are expected to move in to the renovated building from October.
"This development means WiFi technology is now available to office building tenants in the same way as traditional utilities like water, air-conditioning or power," says Kip Cole, channels and commercial director for Cisco A/NZ.
Logical has been responsible for configuring the system and design specifications. The company will also distribute bandwidth and manage security as tenants come on board, provide consultancy services and ongoing support for those wanting to link the WiFi environment to existing networks.
Says Stuart Hendry, managing director of Logical Australia: "Revenues in wireless are less significant than in IP telephony, security and storage, but there are huge revenues in services to support businesses as they integrate existing networks into mobile environments.
"Mobility is a bigger issue than wireless alone and, as it becomes more widespread, IT solutions will become more varied and will be a huge growth area for integrators."
The network is based on switches and access points supplied by Cisco.
Each tenant of the building will have control of its own Internet security policies through virtual local area networks (VLAN), independent of other tenants or visitors.
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Datatec is an international networking and IT services group with operations in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Middle East and the Asia Pacific region. The group generates more than 95% of its revenue in hard currency outside SA.
The group provides active management support in the strategic direction and operation of its subsidiaries and has three principal lines of business:
* Westcon, a global channel provider of advanced networking, security, data and voice communications and convergence products, based in the US and the largest distributor worldwide of equipment in this sector, with operations in many countries;
* Logical, an international professional services and IT network integration group headquartered in London and with operations in more than 10 countries; and
* Mason, a leading European telecommunications and IT convergence consultancy providing business solutions to public and private sector organisations worldwide. Mason`s key services include strategic and business planning; procurement and outsourcing; design and engineering; programme and project management; network optimisation and training courses.
The group also has similarly focused operations in SA. These are Westcon AME, Affinity Logic and RangeGate.
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