Batelco revolutionises business communications

The MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) service allows organizations to network their various sites over a single integrated IP-based network, enabling them to build a communications system that acts like an extension of their private corporate network with all the benefits of being run on Batelco's carrier grade network infrastructure. The result is a fast and efficient means of making scattered places seem like local sites, from workers' homes and domestic branch offices to international locations and company headquarters.

Batelco's MPLS based IP VPN interconnects these various sites to create a single company-wide communications network that carries voice, data and multimedia applications. In addition, the service can be fully managed by Batelco, cutting costs and allowing customers to focus on their core business.

The MPLS based IP-VPN service offered by Batelco - powered by Cisco and integrated by Atos Origin Middle East - is also 'connectionless', which greatly increases the flexibility of the service as new sites can be added quickly and easily. This means that the network is highly scaleable, ensuring that each system can be tailored and enhanced as the customer's business requirements change.

"Batelco's MPLS Network strategy is to provide customers with a full suite of integrated communications services that deliver the best combination of performance, security and reach and allow a clear migration path from traditional to IP networks," explains Tony Hart, Chief Executive at Batelco.

"It is our belief that IP lies at the heart of Batelco's business transformation and is an enabler to e-business," says Tony. "MPLS IP-VPN is an integral part of our IP strategy to roll out industry-leading services that will advantage our customers. We're creating a competitive edge for our business and government customers, who will benefit greatly from our investment in this state-of-the-art technology, enabling them to maximize their network and application performances as well as control costs."

The service also allows for network traffic to be classified into Classes-of-Service (CoS), each with its own level of priority. This allows the network to distinguish between delay-sensitive traffic - such as voice, video conferencing, voice over IP, SAP, ERP and multimedia applications - and non delay-sensitive data, such as email and web browsing. This enables companies to prioritise mission critical applications in order to optimize their network and as well as control costs by proper management of the bandwidth.

"One of the big advantages that Batelco has is that we've been able to try and test this system already," explains Tony. "Bahrain's Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) approached us with a request for high bandwidth technology which could meet their information needs. We have since implemented an MPLS network which will eventually cover more than 90 sites and helps them manage their requirements for Bahrain's e-Government project by providing solutions for high-speed Internet connections and a multitude of additional services necessary for their day-to-day operations".

In addition, Batelco is working closely with the Ministries of Health and Education on Healthnet and Edunet projects designed to benefit every resident of the Kingdom by ensuring that communications for these vital services are as speedy and efficient as possible.

Batelco's MPLS IP-VPN service is now available to all business customers who will benefit from the cost effective, flexible and convenient communications solutions offered by this new Batelco product.