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Investment in Cork County Networks proves vital for countywide connectivity

Cork, March 6th 2009:  Exigent Networks, Munster’s leading provider of high quality design and maintenance services for Microwave Wireless and PlanNet21 Communications Ltd., Cisco Gold Partner and leading provider of voice, video and data solutions over IP, are celebrating today with the announcement of being awarded the OJEU Tender by Cork County Council.  Beating off stiff competition from around the country the two companies, with offices in Cork will manage a three year maintenance contract, worth €1.25m, for the entire Cork County Council, IPT, LAN and Wide Area Network (WAN).  This WAN comprises of one of the largest wireless networks in Ireland and aims to accelerate business critical applications over the network and support the smooth running of data from its regional offices. PlanNet21, the only Cisco Voice Masters Specialist in Ireland will be delivering top class consultancy and support to Cork County Council’s 2,000 node Cisco IP Telephony, switching and routing infrastructure.

Over the last number of years Cork County Council has installed a comprehensive Wide Area Network (WAN) which links in excess of 100 office locations throughout the county. In parallel with this it has introduced an IP telephony solution which allows for inter office telephone calls with no call costs. In order to ensure the WAN operates properly it was essential for the Council to put in place a three year maintenance contract.  The key elements of the contract include the following:-

• Wireless wide area network technologies
• Terrestrial Ethernet services leveraging the Metropolitan area networks
• IP routers, switches and voice systems
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

This project is the largest adoption of high bandwidth wireless technology by a local authority in Ireland and it demonstrates the flexibility and cost effectiveness of using microwave wireless for interoffice connectivity without the requirement for higher cost / lower bandwidth traditional leased lines. 

Commenting on Cork County Council’s commitment to information technology investment Michael Murphy, Senior Executive Officer, ICT Department, stated “Information Technology plays a vital role in the delivery and improvement of Cork County Council Services. The Wide Area Network is a key infrastructural component in the delivery of these services. This contract will ensure that outages in the WAN services are responded to promptly and the services reinstated in the shortest possible time.  We are delighted to be working with Exigent Networks and PlanNet21 on this project given the experience and professionalism of both companies”.

The WAN & IP telephony solution is vital to improving interoffice and public facing communication within Cork County Council. Without these technologies the introduction of developments such as the Customer Contact Centre and the decentralisation of the West Cork Planning service to Skibbereen would not be possible. To maintain these services and to facilitate further such developments, it is critical that the WAN be maintained and supported in the most efficient manner possible.

Speaking on the contract awarded to Exigent Networks Paul Casey, Managing Director stated “Exigent Networks is delighted to have been awarded this contract.  Over the coming three years we will provide Cork County Council with maintenance support on their entire licensed and unlicensed radio network which connects all remote council offices back to the network core in County Hall. The radio network replaces the council’s traditional leased lines with high capacity bandwidth ranging from 8Mbps to 155Mbps. This ensures that the wide area network delivers the bandwidth to further expand on current and future application requirements, thereby future proofing the council’s investment. It is an exciting project to be involved with and certainly shows Cork County Council’s commitment to investing for the future.”

Edel Donnellan, Account Manager with PlanNet21 Communications Ltd. commented on this landmark contract: “
 “Cork County Council is a key customer acquisition for PlanNet21 Communications.  We are delighted to be working with the Council’s ICT team. Furthermore, we look forward to leveraging the Council’s existing investment in Cisco technology and optimising it for their future needs”