Doha, Qatar, October 6th 2004 - Cisco Systems today announced that Qatar Telecom (Qtel) has commissioned the construction of a new IT Data Centre, with a networking infrastructure based around an integrated systems approach from Cisco Systems. The project will help support efficient service delivery for the company's internal business divisions, and underpin efficient data back-up and security. The Qtel Data Centre is supported by a Cisco solution based on tight integration of a number of Cisco technologies, and forms part of an evolution to a Business Ready Data Centre Architecture that supports Cisco's "Optimize Business" component of its overall service provider strategy.
The new Data Centre will host a variety of services such as Billing, Customer-Care, including WEB-Self-Care, and Operations Support applications for Qtel's Wireline and Wireless divisions, in addition to helping provide network services for Qtel employees on its internal IT Network. The Qtel Data Centre will be based around Gigabit Ethernet core switching infrastructures, which will also help support high-speed network connectivity for staff.
Qtel CEO Dr. Nasser Marafih said, "The IT Data Centre is the first large-scale data centre of its kind in the Qatar region, and will immensely help Qtel's staff with their IT and operational support needs. It will help provide managed security and application services for all Qtel staff to work in a more productive environment, with the ultimate goal of providing a more responsive customer experience."
Based on Cisco's integrated solutions, the new services available for Qtel's internal departments include a range of security solutions, which include shared and dedicated firewall solutions, as well as Intrusion Protection services (IPS), providing custom, multi-layered security mitigation. It will also include a range of load-balancing services that aim to optimize application content delivery, response time, as well as availability and hosting services. This will help enable various operational divisions of Qtel to benefit from the newly deployed infrastructure.
"We are proud to be working with Qtel's IT team on this innovative project for the Middle East," said Sam Alkharrat, Regional Sales Manager, Service Provider for Cisco Systems Middle East. "The deployed Data Centre will serve as a model and proof-of-concept for future Qtel projects, but the immediate enhancements to Qtel's business will be felt across the country."
Announced by Cisco on April 14, 2004, the Cisco Business Ready Data Centre addresses the need for an intelligent network architecture that supports current data center initiatives and provides a foundation for the next-generation data centre. Cisco technologies currently used in the Qtel Data Centre solution include Cisco Catalyst 6509 series switches with Supervisor Engine 720, Firewall Services Modules, Content Switching Modules and Intrusion Detection System Services Modules. Qtel will use CiscoWorks software to manage the implementation.
For more information on Cisco Systems and Data Centre solutions, please visit www.cisco.com/me
About Qtel
Qatar Telecom (Qtel) is Qatar's exclusive telecommunications provider. Qtel's principal activities include local and international telephony, international mobile GSM, Internet and cable television services. Our vision is aimed at a 'customer first' mindset; delivering compelling, high quality, cost effective products and services. For more information on Qtel please visit our website: www.qtel.com.qa
About Cisco Systems
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