For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, fans and commentators will see instant results as events take place, thanks to London 2012's new technical operations centre, unveiled today in Canary Wharf.
Over the course of 79 days of test events 450 business technologists will work in shifts at the centre to cover 180 positions.
More than 1160 PCs and laptops, 190 network and security devices and 400 printers and copiers are being tested. The system will power the IT security, telecommunications, power and results systems for every Olympic event, and will be managed and monitored 24/7.
For the first time ever in a summer games, all 26 Olympic and five Paralympic sports have been added to the Commentator Information System (CIS). For the home viewer, that means no more waiting for the crowd to cheer to know what's going on while for commentators, that should mean less waffle and more timely reporting.
Paul Deighton, London 2012 Chief Executive, said in a statement: “Technology often goes unnoticed and yet is absolutely critical to our success in 2012. The Games cannot happen without technology and I am delighted that that our London 2012 Technology team together with Atos and the team of technology partners are on track to deliver the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.”
Anyone familiar with the vagaries and disappointment of PCs and internet connections know that sometimes, they just let you down. So the rigour of this system has been tested over the 79 days of the London Prepares Series of pre-Olympics events, including the international gymnastics and the 18th FINA Diving World Cup.
Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee said: “Technology is radically changing how spectators enjoy the Olympic Games and our longstanding worldwide partner, Atos, plays a critical role in ensuring technology continues to enhance the spectator experience. The IOC is very impressed with the progress of the preparations in London.”
The internet connection for the Olympics will be handled by BT, while Samsung has won the contract for all wireless communications. Fingers crossed that if it does crash they can get through to the BT call centre nice and fast.