New IP infrastructure for Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire Constabulary is to install a state-of-the-art 10GB IP infrastructure in its new purpose-built Waterwells headquarters, to handle all of the voice and data needs and underpin mission-critical applications across the force such as CCTV monitoring, emergency services control and live helitele helicopter feeds.
Gloucestershire Constabulary is to install a state-of-the-art 10GB IP infrastructure in its new purpose-built Waterwells headquarters, to handle all of the voice and data needs and underpin mission-critical applications across the force such as CCTV monitoring, emergency services control and live helitele helicopter feeds.
The projects first phase has seen ntl:Telewest Business install the latest IP (Internet Protocol) and LAN (Local Area Network) technologies, providing a scalable environment for the 500 employees who are onsite. This will lay the foundations for the wider rollout of IP Telephony to the full 2,100 workforce, located at 51 WAN (Wide Area Network) sites across the county.
The challenge for Gloucestershire was to build an infrastructure capable of not only supporting todays 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, efficiency and delivering cost savings through a converged network.
The high capacity data centre at Waterwells is intended as a blueprint for upgrading other offices around the force. Gloucestershire 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.
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 added: 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.
