Dell Steps Up Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Preparation

Dell has revealed more details of how its equipment will be used to power the IT operations of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer, promising it will be able to ensure the event goes off without a hitch.

The company will deploy 1,400 desktops and laptops, 50 servers and its EqualLogic and PowerVault storage products across 40 competition and non-competition venues to meet the demands of 71 participating federations, 4,500 athletes and 15,000 staff and volunteers.

Arguably the most important venue is the Technology Operation Centre (TOC), which manages and monitors Glasgow 2014’s IT infrastructure, and will be powered by Intel Xeon-based servers.  Dell equipment will also be used to provide results to the media, broadcasters and spectators, while laptops will also be available to journalists in the media centre.

Dell Glasgow 2014

Athletes will also benefit from three recreational computer facilities, allowing them to stay connected to friends, family and, crucially, their fans on social media.

“Technology underpins everything at the Commonwealth Games and we have multiple sites across Glasgow that require a fit-for-purpose technology solution,” says Brian Nourse, chief technology officer for Glasgow 2014. “Dell’s role is crucial in ensuring that we have a robust, flexible infrastructure in place that can guarantee everything runs flawlessly – both in the planning and staging of the Games, and during the 11 days of competition.”

The Commonwealth Games is the second largest multisport event in the world after the Olympic Games and this year’s edition will be the largest ever sporting event to be held in Scotland.

Dell says its track record in delivering for similar projects, such as the 2006 games in Melbourne, was one of the main reasons it was selected, and hopes that a successful games will provide positive publicity and give the rest of the business a boost.

“Technology is often the unsung hero of the sporting world. Nearly everything, from coverage of the events and ticketing, to how athletes perform and results are reported, requires a high level of technology support,” says Tim Griffin, managing director of Dell UK. “The Commonwealth Games is a world-class sporting event that requires world-class technology support – something we’re committed to and very proud to be delivering.”

The Commonwealth Games take place between 23 July and 4 August and Dell will deploy the rest of its equipment during the final eight weeks of operation. Other major technology partners include Atos and Cisco, while visitors are also set to benefit from a city-wide Wi-Fi network and wireless connectivity on trains to competition venues.

Are you an IT Olympian? Find out with our sporting tech quiz!