Wireless network safeguards Volvo Ocean Race

Problems with wireless networks can cause irritation at home. But for Volvo IT’s project manager, Mattias Andersson, the entire Volvo Ocean Race is at stake.

When the racing yachts leave Cape Town the in-port wireless network must work. “Without the internet network connection, journalists on-site won’t be able to report about the competition and the officials’ job will be impossible,” says Mattias Andersson. Laying computer cables in the port area of Cape Town is not practical. Mattias and his IT team are therefore installing a wireless network. ”IT security is crucial when building a network,” he says. The same principles apply irrespective of whether the network is built in an office, in a factory or in a competition port for the Volvo Ocean Race. ”A secure solution requires users to log in. Furthermore, your PC must automatically check that the connection is to the right network. Computer communication should take place with encryption enabled,” Mattias emphasises. Volvo IT has developed a standard solution for secure, wireless networks. The solution is used by the Volvo Group in offices and factories worldwide. ”A major industrial company needs a joint solution for wireless networks. Otherwise local solutions are built that cause new security risks, “ he continues. The Volvo Ocean Race uses the Volvo Group’s standard solution in competition ports. “But in an office we install wireless networks just once. We build the wireless network in each competition port, and then pull it down, “ says Mattias with a smile. What Volvo IT is doing as the official supplier of IT • Responsible for hardware, software, communication and IT support for race officials, the press and visitors to the stop-overs • Responsible for support and managing the race officials’ pc environment (MyPlace) at race headquarters in the UK and at the stop-overs • Responsible for running the official race website, www.volvooceanrace.org Read project leader Mattias Anderssons´ diary and some of his advice about wireless networks at www.volvoit.com. December 5, 2005 For further information please contact: Ann-Louise Öhrn, Vice President Corporate Communications, Volvo IT Tel: +46 (0) 31 66 10 88 or +46 (0) 708-667088, ann-louise.ohrn@volvo.com