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Data Centre, Internet and Private Networks

ISP Filtering Trial

OMNIconnect have agreed to be part of the Australian Government’s Filtering Trial. In order to answer your question we have prepared to following FAQs.
 
What is the ‘Internet Service Provider (ISP) Filtering Live Pilot’?
The ISP Internet Content Filtering Pilot is an Australian Government initiative specifically designed to block access to Web sites containing illegal child sexual abuse images (CSAI).
What is the purpose of the ISP Content Filtering Live Pilot?
The ISP filtering Pilot provides the opportunity to test a range of content filtering solutions in a real world environment, with the cooperation of ISPs and their customers.
This Pilot will help add to the information obtained via the laboratory-based tests of filters recently published by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
The outcomes of the Pilot will inform the Government’s decision making on the ISP filtering framework.
How is content filtered for this trial?
The ISP receives a list of investigated illegal CSAI websites from the Australian Communications and Media Authority. These websites are then inaccessible by the volunteering participant of the trial.
What Internet Access Methods will be included in this trial?
OMNIconnect has several access methods to the Internet that may be filtered for this trial. These include: Wireless, DSL and fibre.
Will it effect the Performance of my Internet service?
This filtering trial is being used to determine whether there will be any effect on Internet performance. We do not anticipate any performance issues at this stage.
Why is OMNIconnect participating?
We would like to state that we take a neutral position in relation to the debate on Internet censorship. However, OMNIconnect management are fundamentally opposed to ALL forms of illegal content, including the abuse of children through child pornography.
Our reasons for participating in this trial are primarily because it gives us the opportunity to assess and critique some of the latest technology for filtering solutions. We will be able to examine any effects of this trial filter on our own network and with our own clients, compiling first-hand information.
This trial will provide us with the opportunity to share our view of the technology involved with any government proposed filtering implementation based on our first-hand experience.
OMNIconnect also recognize that many of our current and future clients will desire the choice to either have or not have a content filter on their service. We want to give our clients the latest information on technology that may effect their service.
Many businesses already have defined company policies in regards to information access. Trialing this technology allows us to offer a filtering system that will give them the ability to enforce their policies.
What is the length of the Trial?
The ISP Internet Content Filtering Pilot is a six-week long trial. The date for this trial is yet to be advised.
Who will participate in the ISP Filtering Pilot?
This filtering trial will be conducted on a voluntary basis only. Only OMNIconnect clients who have volunteered will be able to participate in this trial. All other OMNIconnect customers will not have their Internet traffic filtered.
Participants of this free trial are simply required to use the Internet as they would normally do so. At the conclusion of the trial, they will be asked to complete a survey focusing on their experience with the filtering system. All information will be kept anonymous and no Internet browsing will be monitored.
Participants of the trial are able to request the removal of the filtering system at any time.
If you are an OMNIconnect client, and would like to participate in the free ISP Internet Content Filtering Pilot, please email: filtering@omniconnect.com.au

OCDC becomes first Data Centre to have Telstra’s new Wholesale Wavelength Service

OCDC (OMNIconnect Data Centre) has become the first data centre to have Telstra’s new Wholesale Wavelength Service (WWS) offering speeds of 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps and 10Gbps (and multiples of). This will allow hosting customers to connect back to their other locations at greater speeds than previously offered by data centres.
WWS was announced by Telstra on Nov 21, 2011 as a new backhaul offering that is reliable, cost-efficient and be scaled up with minimum disruption.
Key features of WWS include:
  • Coverage: WWS leverages Telstra Wholesale’s national backhaul reach across selected capital city, metro and inter-capital routes to provide point- to-point connectivity between wholesale customer network points of presence (PoPs). WWS can be delivered to up to approximately 600 metro Exchange Service Areas (or ESAs).
  • Managed Service: Telstra Wholesale can detect issues and maintain the service to specified standards.
  • Capacity: High capacity choices of 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps and 10Gbps per channel.
  • Performance: Reliability, security and transparency to customer network traffic on dedicated fibre routes. Support for data-centric Ethernet and SDH protocols (1 Gbps Ethernet, 2.5 Gbps SDH, 10Gbps Ethernet and 10Gbps SDH services will initially be available).
For more information regarding Telstra’s WWS, see the links below:

South Gippsland Region Network Acquired

OMNIconnect has extended it’s reach by acquiring a large network in the South Gippsland region. The network previously owned by Chariot/TPG covers a wide area including POP’s in Foster, Koonwarra, Korumburra, Wonthaggi, and Lookout Hill.

South Gippsland Water is the principal client on the network, whose extensive service area covers over 4,000 sq kms. South Gippsland Water’s network of facilities and sites, are connected via the OMNIconnect Wireless/DSL network providing Data and Internet carriage.

A major upgrade of sites and equipment has commenced to ensure future reliability and continuity of services. For more information on OMNIconnect’s solutions in the South Gippsland region or elsewhere please contact Sales on:

(03) 9770 3333 or sales@omniconnect.com.au

OMNIconnect purchases Uni of Ballarat Network

OMNIconnect is pleased to announce the acquisition of a licensed Microwave Network from University of Ballarat. It will complement OMNIconnect’s regional Wireless, DSL and Fibre network with points of presence now in Ballarat, Grampians, Pyrenees, and the Gippsland regional areas.

In particular it affirms OMNIconnect’s commitment to provide ‘last mile’ and high bandwidth solutions to business, government and wholesale clients in regional areas.

The network provides data and internet traffic between the Mount Helen Campus and 101 Collins St, Melbourne via a repeater located at Mount Blackwood. The acquisition is for all existing equipment, licenses and site agreements owned and managed by the University.

OMNIconnect invests locally in Fibre Network

With a stuttering world economy, business confidence lacking and uncertainty regarding major infrastructure projects such as the National Broadband Network (NBN), it might seem unwise to relocate business away from the CBD.

That’s exactly what OMNIconnect Telecommunications have done. What’s more they are not looking back.

“We’ve made a conscious decision to not only move as much of our infrastructure and people out of the CBD, but also to make strategic investments throughout Victoria including regional and suburban areas.” comments Peter Hutton, Managing Director of OMNIconnect Pty Ltd.

While large clients are still very much part of their business, OMNIconnect has refocused on providing innovative data, voice and internet solutions to small and medium business in local estates and black spots throughout Victoria.

Take for example the Optic Fibre network they are rolling out in the estate their headquarters is located in Carrum Downs. Typical of many outer suburb areas where access to dedicated IT infrastructure is lacking, which causes many businesses to shy away from investing in such areas or to move elsewhere.

OMNIconnect has taken the iniative to roll out their own Gigabit Optic Fibre network, backed onto their own infrastructure as a licensed carrier and supported by a highly skilled technical workforce.

The network will enable local business to take advantage of a real ‘enabler’ to help them grow their business and compete at a global level. It will offer business grade Internet access, high quality voice and video and added benefits such as hosted computing and offsite data backup.

OMNIconnect’s Business Development Manager, Mark Vieros explains “We are really excited about building a network that will not only assist business based here already but draw business to the area, due to the fact access and solutions are available locally and right now.”

Mr Vieros continues, “Waiting was an option, however as a business we realize we need to move and grow now. So do other businesses, waiting for proposed solutions may mean business are left behind or at the least affect their ability to compete.”

A fully owned Data Centre facility complements their offerings. This is enabling OMNIconnect to provide businesses, with a local hosting service and virtual computing that allow organizations to reduce capital and ongoing expenses.

Local response has been encouraging, and OMNIconnect see it as a test bed for similar future projects to complement their extensive Wireless network across Victoria.

Can You Be A Good Corporate Citizen & Save Money?

Going Green is certainly a buzzword in the IT industry. “Green IT” is now at the pinnacle of Gartner’s (www.gartner.com) list of the top 10 strategic technologies for 2008. Gartner points to the need for “Green IT” as they identify the current crisis of “impact on power grids, carbon emissions from increased use and other environmental impacts…are under scrutiny.”

It is of no surprise that reports show 80% of Enterprise Customers are now considering environmental impact when choosing companies to do business with. However, is it possible to save money and be a “good corporate citizen” by choosing a “green” Data Centre host?

OMNIconnect, a privately owned Carrier and Data Centre located in Melbourne’s South East knows that it is possible. OMNIconnect is currently implementing solutions that they estimate will save up-to 40% of energy costs, and are passing on savings to their clients, thereby playing their part as “good corporate citizens”.

Peter Hutton, Managing Director of OMNIconnect explains their reasons for the change, “We are in the process of a major expansion of our existing Data Centre facility, issues of increasing energy costs, the impact of future carbon trading schemes, and corporate responsibility all came into sharp focus. These issues affect our business and our clients business, and depending on our response, this could affect the sustainability and competitiveness of our business.”

So what changes have been needed to achieve a “Green IT” outlook on their data centre?

Power consumption from cooling and other auxiliary equipment equates to, on average, half of the power consumption in a Data Centre. As such, using an efficient cooling system makes a huge difference. This is possible via APC in-row cooling systems, which have greater heat transfer efficiency than other systems. APC also utilise variable speed fans, which operate at speeds required on demand, rather than at full capacity constantly, to put this in perspective, a cooling fan running at 50% speed consumes around a tenth of the power a fan running at full speed. Using closed loop water systems also saves water.

During winter months, scavenged heat from the data centre will be used via a reticulated water system to heat office areas. Solar power is also put to good use in hot water services, while all Telco Services Batteries are charged by solar cells. Motion detection lighting sensors and energy saver lights are used, and where possible skylights are installed for natural lighting within the workspaces.

These initiatives means electricity that otherwise may have been consumed unnecessarily is now available. Not only does this save money, it also leaves reserve capacity for sustainability and future growth, a major issue for all Data Centre’s where power is already at a premium.

Business Development Manager Mark Vieros explains how OMNIconnect encourages other businesses to use environmentally friendly technology, “We decided that customers that colocate energy efficient equipment in our Data Centre should be rewarded. They receive a rebate on their service for using equipment such as those listed under the 80 PLUS program. This way, we are encouraging existing and also new potential clients to play their part in sustainability as well”

Peter Hutton concludes “We are proud of how we have built our business to date, and are genuinely excited to continue to grow it in a way that is not only cost effective and uses best of breed technology, but also means that as a business, we are playing our part in environmental conservation.”

OMNIconnect co-sponsors local Technology Event

In conjunction with the Frankston and Mornington City Council’s, Frankston Business Chamber and Chisholm TAFE, OMNIconnect was proud to co-sponsor the inaugural Frankston Technology Business Networking Event.

The event was held on the 17th of September at the recently refurbished Boulevard Events Centre, with close to 300 in attendance representing over 190 technology based businesses.

The event offered an opportunity for business-to-business networking, as well as hearing a panel speak on the latest Internet trends and ideas, and how these relate to business today.

Find out more by viewing the Frankston City Council media release on OMNIconnect’s involvement. Click on the link below, and choose the ‘Marquee Event for Techonology Businesses’ story for more details..

The smart money’s on local IT network

The Independent September 9th 2008 and The Frankston Times September 2008 published article: 

Frankston has taken a step towards becoming an IT and technology hub with the establishment of a new data centre in Carrum Downs to facilitate technology-based businesses across Melbourne.

OMNIconnect has established the only privately owned data host south of Melbourne.It joins other technology-based businesses that have sprung up in the area over the past couple of years.

One of Australia’s largest privately owned digital print and applications companies, Excel Australasia, is also based in Carrum Downs. The establishment of OMNIconnect means it can purchase its business-grade internet and hosting services locally.
Mark Vieros of OMNIconnect said that having technology companies in Frankston would draw similar businesses to the are. “Using Excel Australasia as an example, they buy their business-grade internet and hosting from us, giving them fast access to the internet and their other sites, and we use them for our digital printing needs. Networking is vital in the IT industry and being in this area is good for business.”
Frankston council’s economic development team has been working with businesses to facilitate networking and other business opportunities in the area. In conjunction with Frankston Business Chamber, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Chisholm TAFE and the State Government, it is hosting a technology business networking event next week (more details page 12).
The free event will feature three industry-leading speakers – Melanie Ingrey of research company Nielsen Online, Andrew Beecher of search engine company Webfirm, and Tony Lentino of local web firm Instra Corporation. The council says the forum provides an opportunity to learn from three experts and to network with other technology business owner and operators.
Every business that attends will receive a $100 voucher for targeted online advertising through Google Adwords.
The forum is at Boulevard Events Centre in Frankston on Wednesday, September 17.
Click here to view the article in The Independent or in The Frankston Times.

Push to attract the IT Crowd

Frankston Hastings Leader September 8th 2008 published article:

Frankston has the potential to become the next Silicon Valley but the planning has to be right, according to local businessmen. Information technology businesses, including multi-media, communications and telecommunications, hardware manufacturing, digital printing and consultancies, are growing in Seaford and Carrum Downs.

Although IT businesses are traditionally based in Melbourne’s CBD, many are being attracted to these areas because of cheaper land and easier access through Eastlink, Frankston Council business development officer Jonathan Reichwald said. “The impact of IT businesses is one of the main drivers behind industry growth in Seaford and Carrum Downs,” Mr Reichwald said. “For an IT centre to develop, it’s all about access to other similar businesses.”

 

Tony Lentino’s internet-based company is based in Hartnett Drive, Seaford. Instra Corporation specialises in global domain registration in more than 200 countries. “There is definitely a future for Frankston as an IT centre,” Mr Lentino said. “If you had a really sophisticated, world class data centre on several hundred acres where you could attract international players, it’s definitely feasible, but it needs serious vision. If we grow 10 times larger and have 400 staff, we can’t stay here. Some small IT companies might have only 20 staff, but a turnover bigger than the largest businesses in Frankston. Do we really want to lose them?”

 

The development manager for Carrum Downs-based licensed telecommunications carrier OMNIconnect, Mark Vieros, agrees. “There’s a lack of infrastructure here, including the physical infrastructure, the communications or data networks, road access, branding or a scheme to specifically attract and target IT businesses to the area,” he said.

 

Chisholm Institute of TAFE business IT manager Joe D’Amico says there’s no reason Frankston can’t be an IT hub.

 

“What’s needed is better funding, better facilities and better resources,” he said. “The key is the wireless facilities, currently a big problem down here. But there are signs this is improving.”

 

Click here to view this article in the Frankston/Hastings Leader.

OMNIconnect Sponsors Launch of the new Jaguar XKR

OMNIconnect Telecommunications was pleased to be a co-sponsor of the launch, held last evening at Melbourne’s premier office building 101 Collins Street.

Guests were able to view the ultimate expression of Jaguar design and engineering the XKR, mingle in the luxurious surrounds of 101 Collins Street’s foyer space and enjoy a high fashion and jewelry parade.

All in attendance were presented with a gift bag from Jaguar to commemorate the launch.

For more information on the Jaguar XKR, please click here.

For more information on Omniconnect Telecommunication’s long-term relationship with 101 Collins Street please visit our testimonials page