IT Infrastructure of the London Olympics of 2012 - Essay Example

IT Infrastructure of the London Olympics of September 24, Executive Summary The London Olympics of is one of the largest mega-events to be held at an international level. To meet the requirements of visitors is also the need to create a technological infrastructure that enhances the comfort of those from other countries, as well as the security that is available. This research paper will examine the proponents of the technology that is being used as well as the gaps that have been made between government policies and expectations and the availability of technology for the games. Furthermore, it will look at how this will affect businesses and society with the restructuring of the city to hold the Olympics of 2012. Table of Contents Terms of Reference………………………………………………………………………..4 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..4 Findings and Analysis……………………………………………………………………..4 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….10 Recommendations………………………………………………………………………..12 Terms of Reference The task that is being presented is an analysis of the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London. The main perspective noted will be the amount of technology that is going to be used for the infrastructure of the game, specifically through transportation and restructuring of technological networks for security. The analysis conducted will show the demands and expectations as well as the practical applications that are creating a gap with the IT businesses. Introduction The ability to host a different set of tools and provisions for the Olympic Games of 2012 in London differs from past options for the games. The information systems that are required for the games have proceeded past years, specifically because of the amount of visitors that will be attending the games as well as the different cultures that will be a part of the games. To ensure that the correct provisions are made, there is the need to create a different set of options in technology for the games. The IT project not only has to be defined by the visitors that will be participating in the Olympics but should also be available for visitors from other countries who have come to see the games and to watch the prospective parts of the games. By doing this, there are more opportunities for London to grow with the available options for the country. Findings and Analysis The first concept that is being put into place for the London Olympics of 2012 is based on the transportation that is going to be made available to those that are participating in the games. The railway network is the main focus of the transportation, with a specific objective of offering more from the main railway network that goes to and from the games from different hotels and from the main airport. The Olympics will be held at over 33 venues, which is double the amount that has been used in the past for Paralympics. The main infrastructure that is being added into is going to provide cross rails that go directly to the different venues and provide a stronger network to and from the games. The technology that is being used for the games is inclusive of technology that will be used to plan and engage the making of the railway. There will also be technology made available for running the railway, which will make the transportation easier for the new lines and transportation that are a part of the games (Railway Technology, 2010). The second level of impact that will be added into the Olympics will be based on the enhanced security. This has been a primary concern for hosting the Olympics in London, specifically because of the growing threats with terrorism and with wars from other countries. To ensure that the Olympics will provide enhanced security, are also extra security features being added in with the information systems. The main approach is to create a multi – dimensional level of security by using upgraded technology with the transportation and for the various venues. The committee is looking at threats with spectators, participants, media attention, sponsors, vulnerable events, games infrastructure, host infrastructure, co – located events and through security teams. The main concept that is being used is to take each of these groups and to offer technology infrastructures as the main option for assisting those who need extra security. This includes over 60 command centers that have video, audio and data that is continuously streaming into the area. Over 1200 operators are able to monitor the events that are taking place. This is combined with technology such as Internet Protocols, MPEG4 Digital Surveillance, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and patched digital networks that help to transfer information from security to the technological infrastructure (Johnson, 2010). With the network that is established, are also others who have to move through protocols based on the amount of security needed. For instance, the journalists are required to take test precautions for any problems that may occur. Procedures that ensure safety are required before one is able to report on a specific event, specifically by using a network through technology that allows journalists to operate efficiently without being under a main threat. The journalists have to have extra precautions specifically because of protest groups and terrorists who will try to use journalists to gain attention for their main message. Journalists are then required to use both human assistance and technology to ensure that they are not exposed to the wrong group during the Olympics. To do this, a command infrastructure and a data communication center is required to gain the correct results for the team. The networks used are required to reach over 100,000 security officials who are able to monitor both events and the media in case of threats that would damage the games. Interaction simulation software, which carries multiple intelligence databases, can be used to further the communication and IT infrastructure for extra protection. The simulators not only include options for security, but also responses in case of an emergency. The IT used includes the GES, or evacuation simulator, which immediately responds with emergency services to ensure security on the media, public officials and those participating in the games. This is followed by security teams that are used to support the main structure of the building while providing more alternatives for those that are in need of enhanced security (Johnson, 2010). The main applications that have to be applied through transportation and the multi-dimensional levels of security are going to add into the impact of businesses. The technology that is used will first impact businesses through the economy. There will be a continuous increase in demand for enhanced technology that can provide more security and a complete network infrastructure to the committee. For most, this will lead into economic benefits that will boost the economy, specifically through businesses that are applying infrastructures of technology, while manufacturing new and innovative items, for the Olympics. However, the costs that have to be applied for the innovations, as well as the manufacturing costs will also increase. This will limit the possibilities of most IT businesses to provide the necessary support and applications for those that are looking at the available technology. More importantly, the economic stream after the Olympics will move into a slight downfall for most IT businesses, as well as other businesses. Even though the Olympics will stimulate the economy, it will also create different problems after the Olympics because of the large fluctuation that occurs. The impact of technology for businesses will then begin to change the overall economic structure and demand that is required (Blake, 2005). The economic impact hat will develop because of the technology will then begin to move into different components of business and what is expected. Everything that is created for the development of the Olympics of 2012 will move into different values and expectations with businesses. Laborers will be the ones most impacted by what occurs within the technological component. The social values and policies from businesses will be required to change. More importantly, the level of technology required for different businesses will increase to support the social values and policies. Each of these will be used as a part of the measures taken for enhanced security during the Olympics. As this occurs, businesses will begin to be affected for longer terms. The infrastructure that will be built for the Olympics will continue to increase the amount of demand that is a part of the Olympics while creating changes in how businesses deliver to different components of the Olympics. The impact for the technology used is one that is promised by the government, specifically to make the businesses more secure and welcoming. The technology then becomes a reflection of some of the expectations set by the Olympic infrastructure of IT and the way in which it is impacting the different businesses (Poynter, MacRury, 2009). Even though the promises and expectations for enhanced security and changes in businesses are proponents of the Olympics, there are still several real world problems with the IT projects for the games. Even though the mega events are able to offer security and enhanced options with the infrastructure, it is still limited to what is available as well as what innovations are a part of the latest sets of inventions. Most companies are not able to provide complete infrastructures that are new and which are able to enhance security beyond the past mega event. More importantly, there are limitations with time. Innovations have to be tested and proven to work before they are able to be placed in an event. If it is a new part of technology for an enhanced infrastructure and network, then it will be limited by the innovation being new. If it hasn’t been tested, then it can’t provide complete security or a 100% guarantee that it will work effectively. The expectations and the promises that are a part of security and the network that is built for an infrastructure then becomes limited to what is already known, used at past events and what can be offered by IT businesses as a part of the current market. For most, this doesn’t offer the correct options for enhanced security while providing more alternatives for the Olympics (Roche, 2001). The major divide that is occurring because of the Olympics is based on the practicality of offering specific IT structures for both businesses and the venues, as well as the promises that have been made from the government and sponsoring committees. The gap of the Olympics is reliant on the vision that has been established for London to be a mega center for different sporting events. However, the gap is preceded by resources and innovations that are available, as well as those that can’t be used to create the main infrastructure for the games. The gap that is being created is one that allows threats to continue to be made through the Olympics and for the security and main infrastructure to be limited by the applications that are available. To change this, there has to be an understanding of the value creation process, which takes the current values of technology available and enhances it enough to offer practical security levels to the games. The value that is created will help the security to be completely functioning, without the threat of new innovations not being available or providing the correct amount of security to the Olympic Games (Winter, Szczepanek, 2008). Another aspect that shows how the infrastructure of IT is affecting businesses, social status and the overall components of the Olympics is based on the problems involved with both private and public components of the planning for the games. For the project to work correctly, London has had to create a renewal project for the games. This includes city politics that are involved in the restructuring of the city, as well as urban development that has to be created for the new venues that are needed and the infrastructure that is being built. The problems that are involved with this move into the IT infrastructure that has to be created on top of the development that is being promised by the government. More importantly, many that are in the public and private sectors understand that this will change the economic structure of the city and that the renewal will change standards of living. Most that are in London are not seeing this as complete potential, but instead as an increase in prices as well as demands that will continuously placed on the IT problems in the different sectors. This is creating a sense of limitations to what can be provided as well as protests over the new IT that is being offered and the demands it will create after the Olympics have been completed (Newman, 2007). The problems in both public and private sectors that relate directly to IT projects are then causing conflict because of the demands for new networks. Even though this is based on expanding and restructuring the current transportation system while providing increased security to venues, there are other areas that are being impacted. For this to work correctly, new governance has to be recreated for the structuring. More importantly, social and cultural implications are beginning to change with the enhanced security, specifically because of the promises for increased networks and the demands for security that are a part of the Olympics. Those that are in different regions are further required to expand and change networks in businesses as well as through private sectors, specifically because of the Olympics. The politics, economic changes and the social and cultural impact of the IT networks is one that limits what can be done and is beginning to create resistance to the amount of change that is a part of the Olympic demands (John et al, 2005). Conclusion The different proponents of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London are placing new demands on the city, as well as requirements for IT that is changing the infrastructure. The renewal project that has been announced by the government has created new demands for the city as well as a complete restructuring of not only the different venues, but also of social and cultural structures. Those that are in the city are required to work with new levels and innovations of technology, specifically for the requirements of the Olympics and the expected security that is being used for the games. The levels of security that are required are furthering this through the main proponents of the games, while creating different levels of networking that is needed for the games. While the Olympic Games of London are promising several layers of security, there are also different proponents that are limiting what is needed for the games. The available innovations are moving against the promises of the government, specifically because of the expectations that can only be met by the available resources, including both economic means and different levels of technology that are available. This is further hampered by the issues with newer technology, which is limited by innovations that have to be tested for levels of security to work effectively. For London IT businesses, this is creating new technologies, specifically because of investments that have to be made for the games as well as limitations that are required for the games. The result is that most IT businesses have to restructure how they work to meet the demands and requirements of the games. The infrastructure that is a part of the games is being further altered by the technological expectations that are needed on several levels. While the games have completed a new infrastructure of security as well as transportation, it has caused a rise in demands for the Olympics. Security is now needed for participants, viewers, media and other levels of participants that are in the games. London businesses are required to develop responses that function at a mega level, rather than ones that are available at a smaller level. The different options that are a part of the games are creating the need to change expectations while changing the demands of businesses. After the games, it is expected that the technological expectations and infrastructure remain at the same level while providing more options for those that need enhanced security. If London continues to carry the goals of being a mega center for sports games, then the need to continue to provide innovations and extra security measures for IT infrastructures will be at the base of the company. This will continue to provide challenges and real world problems with offering more for the city and businesses, with several gaps that will limit what is available by the company. Recommendations The several complications that are a part of the London Summer Olympics of 2012 are being met with demands and expectations for technology that is not available and is creating gaps between what is available and what is needed. For IT companies, there is the need to create different infrastructures and to begin to provide innovations at a different level. For the Olympics Committee to meet the security needed is the need to change the focus from restructuring of the games and community to relying first on the resources available. The innovations that are already made available and the technology that is currently a part of corporations can be used as the main components and will provide enhanced security. However, it is important to set more realistic goals with the security workers made available to offer extra support to the security made available. The newer innovations and restructuring can then be used as a second infrastructure to ensure that it works correctly while providing the correct networking through both types of systems. For businesses, the expectations that are required will then be altered by what is already available. This will provide both IT businesses and businesses that are expected to be a part of the restructuring to have more options for the technology that is offered. Setting policies and offering choices will help with the restructuring of the community but will provide tangible and realistic goals that can easily be matched. Looking at more practical steps for the Olympics will help the communities to change the infrastructure without creating large jolts that are needed for the community. This can be combined with policies that can easily be followed with expectations that can be a part of a continuous process for the Olympics. IT businesses, participants and those involved in Olympic committees will then be able to create tangible goals and can begin to fill the gaps that are being set by the expectations for the community. The process of this will need to begin with an understanding of what is available both economically and in terms of IT. Following this with step by step goals will then provide new opportunities for London to hold mega events without straining the security measures, innovations or the practical applications of the technological infrastructure. The main concept that the Olympics Committee has to keep in mind when looking at the different needs of the technology is based on how to combine available resources with enhancement and growth for the community. Combining these two aspects will provide the security needed while offering economic growth, restructuring and sustainability within the communities. More importantly, this perspective will help to provide growth within the community without causing levels of strain and problems with technology that are currently being noted. As this is done, it will help to improve the economic situation at a continuous level while providing more options for the technological engagements of the game. By following a progressive set of options, instead of large measures and new policies for the games, there will be the ability to reach real world and practical goals while working toward the 2012 summer Olympic Games. References Blake, Adam. (2005). “Economic Impact of the London 2012 Olympics.” University of Technology. John, Peter, Adam Tickell, Steven Musson. (2005). “Governing the Mega – Region: Governance and Networks Across London and the South East of England.” New Political Economy (10), (1). Johnson, Chris. (2010). “A Brief Overview of Technical and Organizational Security at Olympic Events.” Glasgow: Department of Computing Science. Newman, Peter. (2007). “Back the Bid: The 2012 Summer Olympics and the Governance of London.” Journal of Urban Affairs (29), (3). Poynter, Gavin, Iain MacRury. (2009). Olympic Cities: 2012 and the Remaking of London. London: Ashgate Publishing. Railway Technology. (2010). “London Olympics Transport Upgrade, United Kingdom.” Retrieved from: http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/london-olympics/. Roche, Maurice. (2001). “Major Sports Events – Learning from Experience.” Manchester: SPRIG Conference. Winter, Mark, Tony Szczepanek. (2008). “Projects and Programmes as Value Creation Processes: A New Perspective and Some Practical Implications.” International Journal of Project Management (26), (1). Read More