• Stakeholders come together to review current situation
• Overarching project consultancy to be provided by Redstone converged Solutions
Key organisations within British Horseracing have joined forces to look at ways of best ensuring that the many wireless networks (Wi-Fi) on racecourses allow for the smooth operation of raceday procedures.
Wi-Fi usage has grown considerably in Britain in recent years. Racecourses are unique settings, with a multitude of businesses operating in a relatively confined space even at the largest venues, and an initial assessment of the current situation found that up to 50 different networks could be operating at a racecourse on a single raceday, all potentially competing for the same bandwidth, with obvious complications for the successful functioning of essential raceday services.
A group set up by the Authority and comprising of the Racecourse Association, the Tote, Jockey Club Racecourses, Arena Leisure, Ascot Racecourse and Weatherbys has selected Redstone Converged Solutions, to conduct a review of existing racecourse Wi-Fi installations and service requirements.
At the end of the review, Redstone Converged Solutions will propose to racecourses viable solutions to control the use of WiFi and suppress the likelihood of cross interference and degraded service.
Steven Shaw, IT Manager at the British Horseracing Authority said:
“This is a great example of the industry working together as one, proactively looking to solve a complex technology problem and to provide a better service to Racing. Technology plays a huge part in the smooth running of the sport and it is paramount that the industry works together in future projects like this not only to assist in protecting the integrity, broadcasting, catering and betting operations on a race day but also go on to improve the racing experience.”
Head of IT for totepool Neil Harmer said:
“This initiative will ensure that there is improved awareness and much tighter control of wireless networks on racecourses, giving improved stability and security for race day operations and maintaining the ability of the tote to provide a flexible betting service for race goers.”
Matt Richards, Business Development Director of Redstone Converged Solutions said: “Redstone Converged Solutions is delighted to be awarded this strategic consultancy project. Through our previous experience in the racing industry, we fully recognise the critical importance of wireless technology to the running of a race day.
“The use of wireless technology is pervasive across the industry and as such, it needs to be fully understood and planned in order to provide stakeholders with a secure and reliable environment in which they can use their systems and focus on their various businesses on a race day. Redstone is proud to be involved in this important project.”
1st April 2008
For further information please contact Steve Shaw on 020 7152 0072.
