Bahrain’s telecommunications company Batelco, teaming up with the Central Informatics Organisation (CIO), has launched a high-tech, IP-driven communications system for the kingdom’s information administrators.

Batelco is providing the CIO with a native IP communications system, which will run Voice Over IP on their internal network with the additional benefit of being able to link it to any branch of the CIO or other government organisation in the near future.
“We are providing the CIO with a state-of-the-art voice communications system which caters for all present and foreseeable future needs,” said Ian Dench, general manager for sales and marketing at Batelco.
“The system, which we are presently installing at the CIO’s new premises, will meet the organisation’s needs in terms of scalability, future expansion, unified messaging and management and the implementation of IP telephony on their existing infrastructure.
“This is a great step towards having a pure IP Telephony network running over the existing Government Data Network - with all the benefits in terms of a flexible, fast, easy-to use and cost-effective solution to communications requirements,” said Dench.
The installation of Batelco’s Nortel IP Succession communication system at the CIO’s new headquarters represents the first implementation of Nortel’s leading-edge product in Bahrain.
“We are delighted to be able to offer our government, business and financial customers this highly advanced technology,” said Dench.
“The announcement further illustrates our commitment to providing the very best in communications solutions and our drive to ensure that each and every one of our customers benefits from our investment and know-how.”
Shaikh Ahmed bin Atteyatallah Al Khalifa, acting president of the CIO, commented: “We’ve looked closely at Batelco’s product offering and service and we are delighted with the prospect of utilising their new IP Telephony system.
“Batelco is providing us with a leading-edge technology that will literally transform the way we do business and we’re looking forward to working with them for the benefit of everyone in Bahrain.”