Al Jazeera has selected DataMiner as the network management and OSS platform for its new Global Media Cloud (GMC) network. Once it is implemented, more than 80 offices will be connected with the latest state-of the-art network, which will allow Al Jazeera to transport media and data, as well as serve emerging corporate uses. The investment, worth […]
Al Jazeera has selected DataMiner as the network management and OSS platform for its new Global Media Cloud (GMC) network. Once it is implemented, more than 80 offices will be connected with the latest state-of the-art network, which will allow Al Jazeera to transport media and data, as well as serve emerging corporate uses.
The investment, worth more than $130M, is based on different technologies provided by Net Insight, Cisco, Harris, Riverbed and Skyline Communications. DataMiner manages the services end-to-end, using unified workflows that are transparent to the underlying technologies.
Our ultimate goal is to make sure that any user of Al Jazeera who sits in any of the more than 80 global locations will feel like they are sitting in the headquarters in Doha, so they will have access to all the resources they need, be it media files, accessing the MAM, or any other broadcast or corporate IT service, said Mohamed Abuagla, Executive Director of Technology & Operations (CIO/CTO) at Al Jazeera Media Network.
The idea is to allow all these people to share information and to allow much faster newsgathering and sharing operations for Al Jazeera.
Ooredoo, a Qatari communications company, will provide support as an end-to-end service provider for the implementation of the media solution and for its operation. Ooredoo’s bigger, faster global network will provide unprecedented connectivity and security.
DataMiner provides a real-time view on the performance of the network, and from a single console we manage the SDH core network, MPLS connections and satellite links. This hybrid network architecture is based on using the right technology at the right place at the right time, and we are extremely pleased to work on this project, as Ooredoo works to help Al Jazeera access content and share their broadcasts with the world faster than ever, said Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani, CEO Ooredoo Qatar.
DataMiner supports media and IT services across technology boundaries. Getting the best out of a network requires unified media workflows, rigorous planning of resources and bandwidth capacity, an open northbound interface to any MAM and ERP system, and interfaces to many different network elements, commented Ben Vandenberghe, CEO at Skyline Communications.
DataMiner is integrated with over 4000 devices from more than 500 vendors, and guarantees smooth integration of any future technology in the platform over time. The solution has been successfully deployed among major media companies and service providers. Skyline Communications is independent from technology vendors and is therefore uniquely placed to provide companies like Al Jazeera and Ooredoo the freedom to deploy the most suitable technology in their infrastructure.
The DataMiner multi-vendor NMS/OSS has also been selected as the platform that will manage Al Jazeeras upgraded broadcast centers globally. London is one of the first targets, next to Doha and DC, and most of the other bureaus will follow.
