Press Release Archive

Technology Backgrounder

LONDON, UK, April 27, 2006 -- Working with industry leader, Cisco Systems and Cisco Gold Certified Partner, Redstone Converged Solutions, Ascot Racecourse is set to revolutionise the world of horse racing through the application of innovative technology. As part of a spectacular redevelopment, Ascot Racecourse is installing a state-of-the-art intelligent Cisco Unified Communications system.

Cisco is providing a range of the latest IP and security solutions to Ascot, enabling it to help improve the customer and employee experience. Working with implementation partner, Redstone Converged Solutions, Cisco will enable Ascot to enhance efficiency and flexibility.

At the heart of the Ascot solution is a Cisco IP network, which integrates voice, data and video communications. Ascot broadcasts up to 31 channels of content over the IP network to 800 permanent screens and 160 temporary screens that are brought in at peak times across the course, providing race-goers with up to the minute news and information. Taking advantage of Cisco’s Connected Real Estate (CCRE) framework, the Cisco IP network will also form an intrinsic part of the support infrastructure for the redevelopment. The IP network will provide Ascot with real time, centralised and consolidated control over the operation of the new facility. Cisco has delivered Cisco Catalyst 6509 running MPLS, Cisco Catalyst 3750s and Cisco 3845 Integrated Service Routers and two voice gateways to form the backbone of the Ascot solution.

As part of the implementation, Cisco and Redstone are providing Ascot with a fully integrated wireless network. The wireless network, using Cisco’s Airespace Access points and Cisco 4400 Series wireless LAN controllers, will be used by the Tote for some 500 mobile betting stations and will effectively turn the racecourse into a Wi-Fi wireless hotspot allowing visitors to access information on the racing at Ascot as well as via the Internet. Furthermore in time, the thousands of contract staff who provide catering and cleaning services on major race days will also be connected to the wireless network via PDAs, enabling them to provide a faster service and to reduce inefficiencies in the management of supplies.

A key element in the Ascot technology installation is a Cisco Unified Contact Centre that is allowing Ascot to communicate far more effectively with its customers without being limited by the geographical challenges of the site, and to allow all customer service enquiries and telephone bookings to be managed easily. The Cisco Unified Contact Centre replaces an older IP ticket sales solution and comprises Cisco Unified CallManager, Cisco Unified Contact Centre Express and approximately 800 Cisco Unified IP phones that are being used within the Contact Centre, Ascot offices, temporary Tote’s and private boxes.

With such a large implementation, security and manageability are key. Cisco provided a range of tools to help manage these issues, including two Cisco Secure access servers and Cisco Network Management tools. A sophisticated management solution will also be installed and supported by Redstone Converged Solutions to ensure robust and reliable service.