The Olympic Games are a complex mix of technology, processes and people. Not only is there the scale and complexity of the project, covering many clients, sites and systems, but it is also a multi-supplier project with many varied dependencies. Furthermore, the whole event is highly visible and the world is watching. And where victory is measured by the smallest margin, there are no second chances.
As lead integrator, project manager and IT operations manager, Atos Origin is ultimately responsible for the entire IT infrastructure of the Games. The focus is on three key IT areas:
Protecting the Games’ IT infrastructure from undesired and/or uncontrolled phenomena that can impact any parts of the result chain and associated services is paramount. The innovative approach features monitoring of all deviations from “normal” behavior of critical parameters in critical areas (applications, systems and networks), plus screening and correlation of all “alerts” to allow the security team to focus and act only upon critical issues.
Finally, there is the unparalleled testing program to ensure that smooth, seamless operations are ready on time. For an event of this magnitude, flawless delivery and deadlines are not negotiable.
And with so much at stake, there is no room for error.
Leveraging the Lessons Learnt for Business
The lessons learnt in such a critical and high-pressure environment enable us to improve the quality of our services and improve our capacity to deliver complex projects in all other industries and markets. Best practices in areas such as consortium and project management, content management, risk driven management, rapid IT deployment, real-time services and IT Security.
As a long-term supplier, spanning six Olympiads, we have developed a depth of knowledge and experience that enables us to react quickly to the changing needs of the athletes, the spectators and the media – worldwide.
This expertise is captured by the Atos Origin Major Events unit. This has been exclusively dedicated to the provision of IT solutions and services to large-scale events and international bodies since 1989, carrying its experiences and know-how from one event to another. The business unit shares its experience with sporting and non-sporting event organizers, and link this to specialist consulting, project management, systems integration, systems management, and the provision of software solutions.