Local company takes the gold for Melbourne Games tech

Sep 07, 2005: Victorian IT company Australian Project & Consulting Services (APCS) has been awarded the contract to provide the Games Data Network (GDN) for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, which take place in Melbourne next March.

In making the announcement, the Victoria Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson said the multi-million dollar contract would see APCS implement ICT infrastructure across all Games venues including the athletes’ village, competition venues and the main press centre.

"This is a major coup for the Victorian ICT industry as APCS won the tender from a very strong international field," said Thomson.

APCS is implementing the delivery of the all-important results system between venues, as well as the Games Management Systems which provide services like staff rosters and accreditation.

"To have a Victorian company provide these important systems at one of the world’s biggest sporting events demonstrates the strengths of Victoria’s ICT companies as an internationally competitive source for innovative products and services," added Thomson.

APCS' managing director, Scott Coleman, said winning the contract is a major achievement for his company.

"I am delighted that our team will be playing an important role in what will be the biggest sporting and cultural event in this state’s history."

APCS’ primary role is to design and implement the Games Data Network across all competition and non-competition venues. Once complete the GDN will incorporate up to 2000 desktops, 100 servers, 180 switches and 900 reprographic devices.

APCS is also undertaking the implementation of specialised applications, including the online accreditation registration system for Games participants.

Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Chief Executive Officer, John Harnden, has welcomed APCS to the Games’ sponsor family as the official IT Project Management and Consulting Services Provider.

“We look forward to working directly with APCS to help us deliver the necessary ICT solutions required to put on a fantastic Games,” said Harnden.

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