It's less than two months to go before the London 2012 Olympic Games get under way. The information technology, communications, media system, sports and technology security systems are now in place. And, all these are going to rely on the IT infrastructure that the €8.5-billion French major Atos has successfully built.
And, there is an India link too. Atos's India centre will play a major role in developing software for the games' management.
Atos became the worldwide information technology partner for the Olympic Games after Salt Lake City in 2002. Over the last ten years, it has been integral to the success of every Winter and Summer Olympic Games. It is responsible for leading the association of IT partners to design, build and operate the massive, mission-critical IT infrastructure and solutions that will support the London games.
For the London Games, which are to commence on July 17, Atos predicts that technology will play a bigger role in two areas. Firstly, in improving access to information as audiences worldwide expect more detailed and colourful information to be delivered, as it happens, to an increasingly complex network of channels. Secondly, the technology infrastructure will also enable sustainability. Mr Milind Kamat, CEO, Atos India, shares his perspective on Atos's association with London Olympics.
How important is IT going to be in the Games?
IT is critical to the London Games both in terms of organising the games and distributing the results to the world. In fact, without IT the games could not happen. For instance, Atos will deliver a system to accredit 20,000 persons – athletes, coaches, media and VIPs. There will be real-time information and results to the world's broadcast media through the Atos Commentator Information System in less than 0.3 seconds to broadcasters globally. There is also a volunteer portal, which is being helped to recruit 70,000 volunteers and enables them to keep up-to-date on all the news about the volunteer programme and their role.
How different is IT usage going to be in this game?
From each game we learn valuable lessons that we transfer to the next. New for the London Games will be myInfo+ – an internet application that enables accredited media, sports officials and athletes to access information available to them. Competition schedules, medal ranking tables, transport news, and sports records can be accessed on their laptops and smart phones.
How easy will it be to access information related to the games?
With 8.5 billion PCs, smartphones and tablets predicted to be connected to the Internet, the London Games are set to be the biggest smartgames ever. Spectators globally will be able to watch athletes real-time on the device of their choice.
How many Atos employees are going to be deployed for this?
Around 350 will be working as a team. Overall, it will be over 3,500, including team members from London 2012, other technology partners and volunteers.
What is the quantum of data that is
going to be generated?
Atos expects to process 30 per cent more results data than in Beijing to ensure the world's media meets the increasing demand of fans.
Will the India centre of Atos be involved in IT implementation?
Atos has a dedicated Development centre in India aligned with our Olympics team in Barcelona to develop software for games management.
What are your expectations on the Games?
Atos is committed to helping London 2012 deliver a great game. The Atos team of Business Technologists will be striving for their personal bests, in the same way any athlete will be. By completing more than 200,000 hours of testing ahead of the Games, Atos Business Technologists will be as well prepared as any athlete. M Atos Business Technologists from India will participate as volunteers in the London Games.
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