TransGrid set for Cisco, Exchange overhaul
Correction: This story originally reported that TransGrid was about to commence an upgrade. In fact that upgrade commenced late last year.
update State-owned NSW Energy wholesaler TransGrid expects to complete its Cisco network upgrade by the end of 2009.
Major change is afoot at the organisation as it steps up a communications network and software upgrade planned for completion by the end of the year.
TransGrid last month appointed former RailCorp executive, Henry Tan as the replacement to former chief information officer, Gordon Dunsford.
The wholesaler today started the search for several Cisco-qualified project managers as well as Microsoft engineers and a .NET developer to assist it over the course of the next year.
The skills hunt is the latest of several moves it has made in recent months as it continues the network refresh. ASX-listed IT supplier Data#3 was contracted last November to supply Cisco switches, routers, IP phones and video-conferencing equipment to TransGrid over the next two years for the project. TransGrid has not disclosed the value of the deal.
The network overhaul will also include an upgrade to TransGrid's content delivery network and the installation of Cisco's unified communications platform. Spokespeople confirmed that it had installed Tandberg and Cisco video-conferencing equipment.
TransGrid's Office 2007 and Exchange 2007 upgrade has been coupled with the replacement of its Unix servers. Security will also get bolstered under the project, with the replacement of TransGrid's firewall and demilitarised zone as well as move to consolidate its current card security system.
Last year TransGrid was on the hunt for the supply of over 1000 Windows Vista desktops and laptops pre-installed with its critical applications to replace its managed Windows XP environment. TransGrid spokespeople confirmed it had selected Acer to supply the desktops, but said it had not migrated to Vista yet. Meanwhile, TransGrid's primary service provider Mincom this year shifted to a three-year extension period under a deal it nabbed from Fujitsu Australia in 2006.