The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) today announced two multi-million dollar ICT deals with Dimension Data and Cisco.
Following a tender announced in May 2007, CSIRO selected Dimension Data as its networking infrastructure provider.
The three-year standing offer includes provision of technology and design, implementation and support services covering routers, switches, telephony, security, wireless and videoconferencing equipment across CSIRO's entire network and data centre infrastructure.
The value of the contract may be up to AUD$4 million per annum.
CSIRO will also be utilising Dimension Data's eProcurement system 'Direct' to purchase all required technologies and products covered by the supply agreement.
Meanwhile, Cisco has been selected to provide the CSIRO with a Unified Communications platform.
The CSIRO was Cisco's first Australian customer back in 1989.
Cisco will provide core and edge routing, switching, unified communications, wireless networking, security and other technologies.
The solution, which includes 7,000 IP Phones, will help enable the CSIRO to take advantage of the network as a platform, thereby providing its staff and researchers with access to applications like video with TelePresence.
Cisco is also providing a range of security technologies, including its adaptive security appliances, which enable virtual private network, firewall, and intrusion prevention and detection services, all in one device.
The science body is also investigating the possibility of deploying a range of video-based technologies, including Cisco TelePresence, across the network.
Cisco A/NZ vice president, Les Williamson, said the network is based on the Catalyst 6500 and 3750 series switches.
"CSIRO already has a reputation as one of the most agile and visionary scientific research agencies in the world," he said.
"Their decision to use the network as the platform for services and applications will further enhance their ability to provide Australian industry and society with leading scientific research".