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Paradigm Services spins a new web for troops abroad Paradigm Services has successfully launched its new Internet / E-mail facility as part of its Project WELCOME contract for the UK MOD. Initially trialed in the Balkans, the new service was fully operational for 16,000 land troops on Exercise SAIF SAREEA II, which has just drawn to a close in Oman.Under Project WELCOME, the existing Paradigm welfare communications service allows all military personnel, serving on MOD-defined 'entitled operations', 20 minutes of free phone calls per week. By working closely with the Defence Communication Services Agency (DCSA), Paradigm and its Skynet 5 partners introduced the new Internet / E-mail service early, specifically for Exercise SAIF SAREEA II. The response to this 24 hour service was overwhelming. Personnel queued 2 days ahead to book their half-hour Internet slots, with some getting up in the middle of the night just to send e-mails. Following the initial trial, which covered 1,500 personnel at three locations in the Balkans, Paradigm has been delighted by the successful launch of the service to the thousands of troops involved in Exercise SAIF SAREEA II. Paradigm's Internet / E-mail facility in Oman was provided via three different communications systems, which were also used to provide a voice service. Firstly, the VSAT satellite communication cabins, located at the large, remote sites in the desert, were equipped with additional PCs which connected directly to Paradigm's Internet hub at Stevenage. The DeserTel PTT service, used at those sites closest to OmanTel infrastructure, also included dial-up Internet facilities. At the smallest and most remote sites, Paradigm made use of IRIDIUM's latest low-speed data technology to provide access to the Internet. The service is designed with the requirements of a varied customer base in mind. In conjunction with the VSAT and IRIDIUM services, Paradigm uses advanced screening software to prevent access to unapproved sites. Content blocking on the dial-up system was facilitated through OmanTel. The system is easy and flexible to use, enabling Web-based E-mail access through sites such as Hotmail, Yahoo and AOL, chosen by the user. This approach offers significant advantages to users as they are able to continue using existing personal E-mail addresses without having to make special arrangements or change their address as they move around. Welfare communications for Forces personnel have improved significantly over the past 2 years. Indeed, access to the World Wide Web has recently been included in the UK government's Operational Welfare Package. Paradigm provides this as a significant enhancement to its service, and it is hoped that it will now become a permanent element of the core Project WELCOME package. Paradigm Services has been established by Paradigm Secure Communications to provide network operations and service delivery. Paradigm Secure Communications was formed by EADS Astrium, Europe's largest Space Company, to address the emerging military communications services market and is currently bidding for the UK Skynet 5 satcom service provision contract. EADS Astrium, Europe's leading space company, is a joint venture owned 75% by EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company and 25% by BAE SYSTEMS. In 2000 EADS Astrium had a combined turnover of 2.03 billion Euros, covering science and Earth observation, military observation and communications, telecommunications, navigation and ground systems, launchers and orbital infrastructure. The Company employs over 8,000 people in France, Germany, United Kingdom and Spain. |
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