ENGINEERING

3Com, a leading provider of networking technology, has announced that leading broadcaster Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC) is set to upgrade its network with a 3Com switching solution in order to improve communication between its offices and remove the problem of data 'bottlenecks' in its operations. The new infrastructure provides BRTC with the capacity to process large volumes of images and sound across its network without compromising its capacity for standard voice, data, and Internet communication. This increased capacity comes with higher network speed, ensuring that BRTC has the technological support it needs to continue to produce quality news and entertainment programs. Overall, the 3Com deployment will enable the state-owned corporation, which operates five television services and nine radio services, to speed up its existing network by a factor of ten. 'Network efficiency is critical in the television industry, where a core part of our operation involves transferring large amounts of images and recorded messages between departments and offices,' said Abdulelah Mohammed, head of IT, BRTC. 'We are in the communications business 24 hours a day and it is essential that our internal systems can manage high volumes of data at the same time as supporting communication across all our offices. 3Com has provided us with a solution that will enable our staff to work efficiently and ensure we bring our viewers the whole picture.' Previously, BRTC was running its network on a single leased line, so that periods of high demand created data blockages, causing lengthy delays and diminished service for its users. The 3Com solution will vastly increase the capacity and speed of the network, ensuring better service for customers and less pressure on internal systems. The switching solution deployed has enabled BRTC to reduce the expense of implementing and owning a high-performance network by building its design on a simplified, tailored architecture. After an extensive evaluation process BRTC chose 3Com because of the superior business value it offered, particularly the product lifetime warranty, and the guarantee of in-country service and support. 'BRTC has a proud reputation in the Middle East for supporting innovative solutions in broadcasting, and we are delighted that another leading corporation has exercised its choice to implement 3Com technology to support an aggressive expansion program,' said Hani Nofal, sales manager for Gulf and Levant, 3Com Middle East. 'The 3Com deployment will ensure that it continues to provide its staff with fast and reliable network communications, and in turn keep its viewers both informed and entertained.' 3Com Middle East has developed a strong reputation in Bahrain and the wider Gulf region through its work on a number of high profile projects, including the Ministry of Commerce's visionary e-government project.