The technically outdated telephone system of the DRK General Secretariat has been replaced by a state-of-the-art IP Centrex solution from the Karlsruhe-based provider CNT AG. Thus, the headquarters of the German Red Cross now has a very flexible, scalable and highly redundant communication solution, as it is only possible with a virtual IP PBX.
The DRK is the largest humanitarian aid organization in Germany. The DRK General Secretariat as a leading association in Berlin coordinates the activities of the numerous state, district and local associations of the German Red Cross. Among other things, it also operates a management and situation center (FÜLZ), which can act as a coordinator in large-scale DRC operations in Germany or abroad. As such, it depends on a properly functioning communication system even if the normal lines are broken in case of disaster.
However, the somewhat outdated telephone system of the aid organization was no longer able to cope with the increasing demands of the DRC General Secretariat, which is why the responsible persons were looking for a new telecommunications solution.
"The outdated hardware already caused problems, and the system was no longer expandable," explains Dr. med. Christoph Intemann, Head of the Services Division of the DRC General Secretariat responsible for telecommunications, the initial situation. "We therefore informed ourselves about new solutions. It was clear that in such decisions always the question of "make-or-buy" is made, and whether the operation of a telecommunications system is one of the core competencies of the DRC. So we also looked for external providers to whom we could outsource this task. "No future with traditional telephone systems
During the selection process, it quickly became clear that only telephone systems based on IP technology could offer the flexibility and future security sought by the DRC General Secretariat. Four of the original six providers were therefore quickly out of the race. Of the two remaining candidates, only the Karlsruhe CNT AG was able to provide the references demanded by the DRK: an installation of comparable size.
Following an exchange of the DRC General Secretariat with a reference customer, CNT won the contract with its IP-Centrex virtual telephone system. Christian Renze, CEO of CNT, explains: "The virtual IP telephone system, which is operated centrally in the data center as an IP Centrex solution, represents the latest evolution of PBXs. However, such projects rarely come up with projects of this size for use. The solution we have developed is based on a technology developed entirely by us that once again proved to the DRC that these technologies are ready for large installations. The solution is characterized by high scalability, functionality and security . All points that were important to the DRC General Secretariat. "Dr. Christoph Intemann adds: "Naturally, the total cost of ownership also played a role in our decision. And the fact that no such high investments were made as in the case of a stationary system on site did not hurt either. Ultimately, however, it was crucial for us that the solution offered by CNT can guarantee reliability that can not be achieved with any other technology. "
Double security through two telephone systems
So that the DRC is not cut off from the outside world, even during disasters, the new telephone system had to meet high requirements. CNT set up identical IP Centrex systems in at least two data centers. For its part, the DRK General Secretariat ensured a fail-safe power supply right up to emergency generators. In addition, the Internet connection was designed to be redundant several times.
"In a conventional system, the entire technology is located in one location and is only connected via a multiplexer," explains Renze. "Our solution takes alternative routing when a system fails, and all inbound and outbound calls are routed through the second system." The data center where the equipment is located meets even the highest security requirements, from redundant Internet connectivity and power over physical access controls up to the highest fire protection requirements. That both fail at the same time is therefore practically impossible.Intuitive IP telephony with Snom devices
Within a few weeks, the new plant was ready for use. In addition to the IP PBX itself, the DRC General Secretariat has also been equipped with new IP phones. "In principle, all popular IP telephones can be operated on our systems," says Renze. "Nevertheless, we advised the DRK to Snom devices because we had very good experiences with it. The phones of Snom are characterized by the intuitive operation and above all by their high standard conformity. This greatly facilitates rollout and administration because the devices can be auto-provisioned before being deployed. This only works reliably if the manufacturers adhere to the SIP standards. Unfortunately, this is not a matter of course for all providers. "
Another advantage of the Snom phones is that the training costs for the new users is extremely low, since all the basic functionality is also available on the new IP phone as usual. The more than 300 employees in the DRC General Secretariat do not have to get used to it and can quickly access the convenience features they want using the freely programmable function keys available on the Snom 710 and Snom 760 devices.
"With CNT's new PBX, we now have the communications capabilities we need to do our jobs," says Dr. Christoph Intemann. "The IP Centrex facility enables us to provide cost-effective and reliable communications that can seamlessly integrate mobile devices as well." And the DRC is well prepared for the future. "For provincial, district or local associations that are looking for a new telecommunications solution to follow the example of the DRC General Secretariat, it is easily possible to expand the system," promises Renze. "Even if all DRC organizations with a total of around 150,000 employees decide to do so, we can implement the system without major problems."
