Technology and the Olympics: 2012 vs 1948
Summary: The 2012 London Olympics are approaching fast, and computer technology is absolutely critical to their success — unlike the last time the capital hosted the Games. Here is a tour of the Olympic Park and some of the back-end systems
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Integration test lab
Integration Test Lab
One major part of LOCOG's IT infrastructure that will have completed its work come 'Games-time' is the Integration Test Lab (ITL). In this Canary Wharf location, some 800 PCs and 130 tower-format servers (mostly Gateway GT350F1 systems) are grouped into event-related 'cells' devoted to many thousands of hours of tests of timing, results and information systems.
Much of the current activity involves 'test events' — which can be proper championships, invitation events or desk-based simulations — where the relevant ITL cell equipment is packed up and shipped to the venue (unless it's a simulation), and then returned for post-event review. As of early December, 20 test events have been completed, from a total of about 40. Once technical rehearsals are complete, the equipment will be relocated to the event venues and the ITL will fall silent.
Acer's Trainor was keen to point out that "this is not a new technology showcase for us": the most important factor is that the hardware infrastructure is solid, reliable and has been thoroughly tested — by Atos and LOCOG, as well as Acer itself. To counter potential problems, every cell's 'games' server has a mirror, with a 'cold spare' as further insurance.
Photo credit: Charles McLellan
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