With Azzurri's Network Voice solution, a mobile satellite broadband system goes with the team to all the race venues and is deployed in the paddock. All that is then required for team members to get the full benefits of an IP telephony solution is a SIP based handset or softphone and internet connection. The team can bring into play intelligent numbering, resulting in each person having just one number for their mobile and IP phone, conferencing, team numbers and on-demand call recording.
Richard Walker, IT manager, VX Racing said: "With each race there are a number of variables that affect our communications needs. We are always working against very tight and changeable deadlines, so set up time at the racetrack needs to be kept to a minimum, which the Azzurri solution enables. It is as simple as plugging in a handset or laptop into an internet enabled router and off you go."
Walker continues: "I already have lots of ideas of how this will work for us and I expect the Azzurri solutions to make a real difference to us during the season. As you can imagine, every second counts when you're up against it - it can mean the difference between winning a race or a car not being ready on time."
Eric Thickett, professional services director, Azzurri Communications comments: "The team is testing and racing at venues all over the world and often have limited facilities. The team had experienced dropped calls, late text messages and on occasions, had simply not been able to get hold of team members when time was of the essence. Therefore, we decided to provide the team with an Azzurri hosted communications system that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, making communications quick, reliable and efficient."
Through the Azzurri Network Voice solution, VX Racing will enjoy all the usual reduced call cost benefits of IP Telephony but without the high capital investment, management hassle and space requirements. Without the need to maintain and support its own telephony and data systems, VX Racing can save up to 50% on annual costs enabling the team to concentrate on what is important - winning races. The solution operates on a secure, service provider class platform, providing full redundancy and 24/7/365 network management.
With four race meetings having already taken place, the team has positioned itself as one of the main contenders for the 2007 titles. 5 wins and a further five podium finishes have put VX Racing in the lead of the Manufacturer and Team Championships, while drivers Fabrizio Giovanardi and Tom Chilton are currently second and fourth respectively in the driver standings.