Gulf Construction Online - Telematics networks an intelligent HQ for bank

Cables & Telecommunications

Telematics networks an intelligent HQ for bank

01 August 2002

Telematics Networking and Communications, one of the region's leading organisations in voice and data networking, is currently networking the new headquarters for Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) in Dubai, UAE.

One of Dubai's leading banks with 33 years banking experience and rated as one of the top 1,000 banks worldwide, CBD has chosen to bring in Telematics to implement a structured cabling system for the purpose of integrating all the voice, data and low-voltage systems onto a common platform.

The cost of the IT upgrade is Dh36 million.

"Use of the latest technologies has always been one of our top priorities at Commercial Bank of Dubai, and even more so in recent years, given the rapid developments in technology," says CBD chairman Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer. "While our investments in this sector have started to bear fruit in the form of substantial and continuous development in the levels of our performance and efficiency, the positive effects of those investments actually lie in the fact that we are now fully positioned to face future requirements and challenges."

Telematics managing director Mike Atkinson says: "Working with the respected bank is exciting for the whole team. We are installing a solution, which lays the foundations for an intelligent building, creating an effective working environment as well as offering scope for adding new services in the future. As always, when we work with banking clients, all security aspects of the network are paramount."

CBD offers an already extensive range of banking facilities and services to its clients, which is supported by an exceptionally advanced IT infrastructure. The new headquarters, which will include nine floors, a penthouse and three parking levels, is due to be completed by December 2002. When completed, CBD's intelligent building headquarters will not only be a new Dubai landmark, but will be one of the most technologically-advanced buildings in the UAE.

CBD manager, e-banking services Asem Fikree says: "This is a large and technologically complex project; relocating to a building that will have a variety of new features, which our customers and our staff will be able to benefit from. While developing new features for our customers in the future we continue to offer the highest availability in the present - allowing 24 hours banking. We chose Telematics because we value their experience and expertise. They are amongst the few system integrators who are capable of delivering a turnkey solution of this magnitude to our high standards."

Telematics will be laying 217 km of cable for this project, which if run from Abu Dhabi would reach Ras Al Khaimah. The structured cabling system will be based on Avaya Communication's Systimax GigaSPEED SCS system along with other components such as over 4,000 copper outlets and 214 fibre outlets spread throughout the entire building.

Atkinson concludes: "The solution that we are using is highly technical and there is a massive list of components. Once opened, CBD headquarters will be one of the most efficient buildings in the UAE. This will provide CBD with a competitive advantage in its operational efficiency compared to other banks in the region."

Telematics integrates voice and data networks for the Middle East's largest public and private organisations. Backed by major vendor partners, including Avaya Communication, Cabletron/Enterasys, Cisco Systems, Lucent Technologies, Microsoft and HP, Telematics relies on its strengths in mobility, optical, data and voice networking technologies as well as software and services to develop and deploy next-generation networks. The company's systems, services and software are designed to help customers quickly deploy and better manage their networks and create new, revenue-generating services that help businesses and consumers.

Established in 1969 as a public shareholding company, CBD is a full service bank that offers its customers a full range of retail and commercial banking services with a network of 16 branches and four cash offices throughout the UAE.