Tuesday, 19 February 2008

Datacraft Upgrades Operations for PT Excelcomindo Pratama (XL)

Datacraft has completed construction of a new data centre and an intelligent network for Indonesian-based mobile operator PT Excelcomindo Pratama (known as XL). This new data centre enabling the carrier to expand its subscriber services to include 3G-based video calls, music, and movie downloads, games, news-on-demand, and location-based services.

Datacraft, leading independent IT solutions and services company, was awarded the USD 2.2 millions project contract because of its proven track record in delivering carrier-class Signaling System 7 (SS7) traffic over IP to Asian clients. One of the key components of the newly restructured network is the IP Transfer Point (ITP) that serves as a signaling gateway allowing XL to efficiently transport increasing volumes of SS7-based traffic on an SS7-over-IP network that replaces expensive TDM-E1 (Time Division Multiplex) lease line connections.

On the other hand, XL needed to upgrade its network capability to ensure that rapidly growing traffic volumes generated by SMS messages and other new services did not overwhelm existing infrastructure. "The company also wanted to maximise the high volume traffic potential and low cost of an IP-based network," said Patrap Yakin, Country Manager for Datacraft Indonesia.

Since obtaining a 3G license in 2006, XL has built on its strong market position to aggressively deploy 3G services in 74 areas across 20 Indonesian provinces as well as launching a Video Contact Centre to provide 3G-based technology customer support. The company is now in the process of expanding a terrestrial digital fiber-optic network across Java, high-capacity digital microwave networks in Kalimantan, Sumatra and Sulawesi, and digital fiber-optics submarine cables linking Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Sulawesi and Kalimantan.

XL is one of the major cellular providers in Indonesia and majority owned by Telekom Malaysia Berhad through Indocel Holding Sdn Bhd (67.0%) and Khazanah Nasional Berhad (16.8%). Starting its commercial operations in October 1996, XL's business consists of Consumer Solutions as triple band (900/1800/1900) cellular network and service provider.