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Avaya designs the largest voice, data network for Fifa WC
MUMBAI: When the ball is kicked tonight at the opening match of the 2006 Fifa World Cup Germany, the largest voice and data network ever — designed and managed by Avaya goes into full operation.
Over the next 31 days, 15 trillion bytes of information, equal to more than 100 million books will travel through the communications network built by Avaya, a global provider of communications networks and services for businesses.
The converged network, which combines voice and data on the same infrastructure, will be used by teams, referees and journalists, plus Fifa and Organizing Committee officials for a myriad of tasks, including accreditation, reporting results, logistics and transportation.
New technologies will change the way fans, journalists, volunteers, and athletes enjoy and interact with the games and one another, and 12 stadiums, 12 cities, 64 matches, hotels, airports, train stations, and more will be completely connected.
Avaya chairman and CEO Don Peterson says, “Goal lines in sports and bottom lines in business are the same — it’s all about having a winning team. At the Fifa World Cup 2006, Avaya is the team that pulls together every player, match and a huge number of other activities with a world class communications network. Providing highly reliable and secure
communications solutions is what we do for our customers around the world every day. Our team offers skills and powers as strong as Fifa World Cup players, so we can deliver a perfect communications ‘match’ to any customer here at the games.”
With the Avaya network in place:
* Real-time scores will allow fans and the media globally to instantly know who scored a goal and which team won a match. The World Cup has an accumulated audience of 30 billion fans worldwide, but only 3.1 million will be able to watch the games live.
* Photojournalists can transmit digital photos wirelessly, instead of using film and dark rooms, on which journalists had to rely at the Fifa World Cup 2002.
* In the past, an average of two to three phone numbers, including an office and mobile phone number, were listed for each person working during the World Cup and the directory needed to be updated and printed twice daily. Now a new web-based directory can update contact lists instantly.
* Reliability is ensured, with 99.99 per cent availability. Avaya conducted more than 400 tests at its Fifa World Cup lab in Frankfurt. The tests, validated by Netconsult, included exhaustive testing of failover scenarios, backup power, firmware and software compatibility, and the resiliency of many IP applications to ensure the network won’t go down or slow down.
* Sophisticated security is in place to prevent viruses and hackers, with software that enables Avaya technical experts to locate the source of the virus or intrusion.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
