Surfing in the Countryside

18/04/2008

When it comes to providing instant access to information at the press of the button, Northern Ireland Libraries is leading the way for libraries everywhere.

In a pilot scheme that will involve two community mobile libraries in the Western and South-Eastern Education and Library Boards, Northern Ireland Libraries is testing out the use of satellite broadband Virtual Private Network (TSBV) technology.

And it is already proving to be a lifeline for people living in remote rural areas enabling them to access the internet and a wider range of library services with it.

The pioneering solution supplied by Excelerate Technology Ltd will give the service instant, fast and secure internet access regardless of where they site their mobile libraries.

Excelerate's ground-breaking VPN solution comprises a fully automated, motorised satellite system that locates the relevant satellite and establishes a high speed two-way secure broadband connection.

The system is proving a success in Northern Ireland and mobile libraries across Great Britain could soon be kitted out with the new technology.

Excelerate's VPN solution won't just benefit the village residents as they surf the net on their doorstep. Staff of the mobile libraries will also have easy access to their main branches' servers, enabling them to quickly and efficiently deal with new membership or reservations.

Elaine Douglas, Commercial Projects Manager for Amey NI, outsourcing partner for Northern Ireland Libraries, says: "We have one unit being piloted and will be commissioning a second shortly. So far we have seen evidence that it is delivering all that it promised.

"It is providing people in remote areas an opportunity to have access to services that they could easily access in a larger town. In addition, it also gives library staff the facility to register new members as they can link into the main library computer systems. The unit brings full library facilities to rural users."

Martin Saunders, Sales Director for Excelerate Technology, says: "By spending just a few short hours at any individual destination our unit can supply information that would not have otherwise have been possible. Whether that be a pupil researching their homework or a grandmother receiving by email photographs of the latest edition to the family, access to information is constantly available."

Excelerate can be contacted for a free demonstration, at your premises in its Mobile Demonstration Unit on 0845 65 85 747 or info@excelerate.info