The judges will be looking for entries which demonstrate the following key attributes:
A new or significantly re-built/re-architected Data Centre facility
Innovative design of the Data Centre in one or more areas that may include:
Resource virtualisation e.g. network facilities, storage switching, server resources, security appliances
Significant reduction or optimisation in power consumption (green-friendly DC)
High Availability e.g. redundant multi-site design, business continuity
Security e.g. built-in security mechanisms and capabilities
Resource optimisation e.g. server balancing, server off-loading, traffic and application optimization, consolidation, grid computing
Services, Security, Management and Operations e.g. administration, resource management, outsourcing, advanced infrastructures, cabling, network-based security
Achieved business value for the organisation, e.g. operational efficiency, environmentally friendly, increased flexibility, high-availability, faster services and applications rollout, new or enhanced business model
Best Mobility and Wireless Project of the Year
The judges will be looking for entries which demonstrate the following key attributes:
A new value proposition, connecting people to information when and where they need it
Creativity from concept through to planning and design e.g. addressing new and challenging issues with innovative solutions
Improving the organisation’s bottom line in two ways:
Accelerated decision-making e.g. rich collaboration for internal & external meetings, real-time access to critical information
Innovation e.g. how the project has increased the adaptability and flexibility of the business
Wireless as the Application Delivery Platform e.g. VoIP over wireless, RFID, and video
Environmental impact e.g. how the project aligns with a global commitment to reduce the impact on the environment
Best Service Provider IP NGN Infrastructure of the Year
The judges will be looking for entries which demonstrate the following key attributes:
An IP based network built by a Service Provider
Preferably built for both delivery of residential/consumer and business/enterprise service(s)
Demonstrates innovation in more than one area e.g.:
Performance e.g. speed, throughput, low latency
Scalability e.g. number of users
Reliability
TriplePlay capability e.g. capable of handling Voice, Video, Data, Convergence Handling multiple access methods
Architectural evolution towards IP
Service and policy control capabilities
Fixed and mobile convergence
Innovative from a service perspective:
Delivering groundbreaking services such as next generation video services or web 2.0 services
Ability to deliver innovative managed Services
Proof that the network delivers operational efficiencies for the Service Provider is desirable
Environmental impact e.g. power consumption reduction, pollution reduction
Best Unified Communications Project of the Year
The judges will be looking for entries which demonstrate the following key attributes:
The use of Unified Communication and Collaboration Applications e.g. MeetingPlace, Unity, Presence
Environmental impact e.g. how does the project align with a global commitment to reduce environmental impact
The positive impact the project has had on the organisation internally and externally e.g. financial, collaborative, productivity gains
Innovative application of Unified Communications in a specific vertical sector e.g. Healthcare, Defence, Finance
Integration of 3rd party application solution into Cisco Unified Communications
Proof of the use of Mobility in a Unified Communications solution
Most Society Impacting Network of the Year
The judges will be looking for entries which demonstrate the following key attributes:
An IP based network, provided by Government bodies / society impacting organisations, which:
Provides the ability to collaborate with any access at any time
Has independent access locations
Is based on open standards, non-proprietary and extensible applications
Is sustainable with commonly available programs
Improves society integration worldwide e.g. FTTH as a society enabler
Innovative from a Government service perspective:
Preferably built for both delivery of services to residents and internal government services
No barriers to access, whilst still ensuring network is safe and secure for residents and government employees in various cities, regions, and countries
Comprehensive suite of user applications with Data, Voice, Video to change how people work, live, learn and play
Improves GDP productivity by next generation services e.g. unemployment services
Application driven network for social inclusion and genuine access for all
Has a social impact e.g. on the health and wealth of a society
Environmental impact:
Demonstrates a reduction in environmental impact e.g. power consumption reduction, pollution reduction
Best Corporate IP Network of the Year
The judges will be looking for entries which demonstrate the following key attributes:
A dedicated IP based communication platform build for an organization
A network built for delivery of data / voice and video including end-to-end HD video communication
Proof of the network as a platform for delivering one or more advanced integrated services, e.g. Identity, Mobility, Security, Voice, Application Optimisation
The network is innovative in terms of:
Scalability
Reliability
Performance
Manageability
Environmental impact e.g. demonstrates energy efficiency and provides a significant reduction in energy consumption
Best Business Video Project of the Year
The judges will be looking for entries which demonstrate the following key attributes:
Most innovative use of video technologies:
Type of video technologies used
Use of transport technologies and protocols e.g unicast, multicast, IPv4, IPv6
Transportation of video e.g. over a shared or dedicated infrastructure
Addressing bandwidth bottlenecks using QoS, reservation system, admission control, dynamic provisioning system etc
Monitoring of Quality of Experience
Inclusion of Cisco products e.g. Telepresence, DMS, Video Surveillance
Inclusion of other products e.g. ISV, homegrown
Linking IP Telephony and Video
Most compelling business case:
Use of video to generate new business opportunities
Contribution of video to reducing need for travel / more efficient use of time
Proof of Return on Investment
Contribution to sustainability:
Environmental impact of video versus in-person meetings
Use and relevance of video as part of a larger sustainability initiative
Ability to scale the solution to internal and external customers:
Current and maximum number of active users
User experience and acceptance of the video solution
