Motorsport group lays foundation for VoIP technology

Prodrive has upgraded its network infrastructure ahead of a planned installation of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology.

Foundry Networks have fitted a 10GB Ethernet system for the company, which runs programmes for the Subaru World Rally team and Ford Performance Racing team.

The new network's improved bandwidth capacity, which is maximised by dual-fibre connections, will enable Prodrive to boost productivity by deploying VoIP solutions.

Graham Brook, head of IT at the Prodrive, said said: "This project is all about preparing Prodrive for the future given the huge growth in IP-based traffic."

"As we are a multinational business, clearly VoIP has many benefits in terms of collaborative and efficient working across sites through application sharing and video conferencing."

The network encompasses a site in Banbury, Oxfordshire where the firm designs and manufactures vehicles for its clients.

Prodrive has six World Rally Championship titles and five British Touring Car Championships since entering the motorsport industry in 1984.