Cisco Systems to provide next generation network infrastructure for Bahrain's Amwaj Islands Smart City

The agreement paves the way for the deployment of Cisco Triple Play and Connected Real Estate (CCRE) solutions at the island, empowering Amwaj Telecom to leverage all its Wireline licenses and provide Telecom and Real Estate services for its commercial, residential and hospitality customers. It will also allow Amwaj to efficiently effectively scale to its present and future business needs .Cisco's Connected Real Estate (CCRE) vision envisages the creation of an integrated IP based network infrastructure over which Telecom and Building Management Systems are converged to provide innovative tenant based services.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Jameel Al Matrook, Managing Director, Ossis Developers, the parent company of Amwaj Telecom said: "Our requirements involved building a state-of-the-art network infrastructure to provide our commercial, residential and hotel customers with leading-edge telecom and real estate services. The solution will enable us to achieve greater operational gains derived from flexible and efficient usage of the existing space and infrastructure. This in turn will allow us to scale to a growing portfolio of services offerings. Amwaj Telecom is currently building a key NOC center that will allow us to satisfy all present and future operations and services requirements inside and outside Amwaj Islands."

Samer Al Kharrat, General Manager - Gulf Region, Cisco Systems said, "Through the deployment of advanced CCRE solutions, tenants of Amwaj can benefit from unprecedented levels of connectivity and interactivity through Cisco's broadband triple play infrastructure. Cisco's converged network for voice, video and data is an enabler for creating a flexible real estate services portfolio, and supporting new workplace and living space designs. Robust, scalable and secure networks for voice, video and data can create flexible work and living environments, connecting people to important assets and building amenities - to provide greater mobility, productivity and communication capabilities."

"With a single scalable IP network Amwaj can deliver all key operational processes and tenant services in an efficient and centralized manner. Furthermore, it will enable Amwaj to generate innovative sources of revenue, while reducing capital and operational expenditure. We are witnessing the true potential of converged broadband to provide efficient and innovative services," he added.

The Cisco technologies that will be deployed at Amwaj Islands include ETTX, security, storage and data centre, Voice, Internet, multi-tenant IP telephony and Voice over IP, Video over IP,. Cisco Systems will work closely with its partners such as ADG, Tandberg, Kreatel, Sun, Nevotek, IP Unity and VisionOSS in the implementation and commissioning of the project.

The full portfolio of Cisco Connected Real Estate Solutions is being demonstrated at Gitex Dubai 2005 targeted at the growing real estate industry in the region.