RWC website a worldwide hit
RWC website a worldwide hit
Rugbyworldcup.com, the official web site of Rugby World Cup 2003, has already broken records for web traffic and is likely to send a few more tumbling before the tournament reaches its climax.
The web site - managed by Rugby World Cup and hosted by Unisys, the Official Supplier of IT Services to RWC 2003 - served a record number 44.2 million hits on the opening day of the tournament (October 10), and has served 183.3 million hits in the first nine days competitive action. The peak volume for a single hour was a massive 13.3 million hits, also one day one of the tournament.
"It has been our aim from the outset to provide a world class news and information service befitting the size and scale of Rugby World Cup 2003,” said Chris Rea, IRB Communications Director and RWC Press Officer. “I am pleased to say that, in partnership with Unisys, we are delivering the most comprehensive package in the history of the sport, embracing tournament information, historical database, match statistics and highlights.
"The web site is the gateway for Rugby World Cup to the rest of the world. We are seeing huge numbers of users around the globe log on for all the rugby information they want, when they want it."
To date, the site has welcomed users from 207 countries. The United Kingdom leads the online pack with 26 per cent of the website sessions, followed by Australia at 19 per cent and the USA at 11 per cent.
The Rugby World Cup 2003 web site is the first stage of a longer-term programme that will see Unisys host IRB internet sites such as IRB Sevens and Under 21s, through to the end of 2006.
In addition to building and hosting the official website, Unisys is providing Rugby World Cup with systems integration services, infrastructure management and outsourcing as well as server technology. This allows real-time tournament information via media outlets and international media broadcasts and feeds, as well as the official Rugby World Cup 2003 web site.
"Scoring the world's largest sporting event this year, in real-time, involves many moving parts and technical experts working in partnership. Managing a live system with this much information means constant assessment and rapid response," said Andrew Barkla, Vice President, General Manager, Unisys Asia Pacific. "We are also excited by the huge interest in the Rugby World Cup and the usage of the site from people in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and our local Pacific neighbours."
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