09.10.06
Cornish company builds demonstration for advanced European research network

PTT, a company founded and based in West Cornwall, has recently completed the design and production of an interactive, multimedia demonstration for DANTE, the international organisation which has built and manages GÉANT2, the most advanced research and education network in the world.

GÉANT2 uses advanced techniques to deliver data, images, video and all other forms of electronic information at much higher speeds than the internet can achieve. This 'super internet' is proving essential for collaborative research by European partners in areas such as climate change, life sciences, grid computing, radio astronomy and sustainable development.

The multimedia demonstration, which DANTE required on cdrom and online, makes extensive use of interactive simulations to explain and describe the operation, features and benefits of GÉANT2. DANTE will use the demonstration to promote the use of the advanced network amongst Europe's academic and research communities, distributing it throughout its 34 connected countries. It will also be used extensively by the European Commission and at international conferences.

DANTE chose PTT to design the demonstration in part because of its 13 years experience of devising e-learning for the telecommunications industry.

Bob Nott, PTT's Managing Director, said: "We are very proud to have been selected by DANTE to produce this demonstration. GÉANT2 is an exciting example of the application of advanced technology. The project matched our skills exactly as we specialise in explaining complex technical subjects in a clear engaging way.

"Because of broadband access to the internet, being based in Cornwall is no longer a disadvantage and, hopefully, knowledge-based companies such as ours will form an important part of a new future for Cornwall."

Ruth Kirkman, DANTE's Public Relations Manager said: "Our core business is to connect people in research and education across Europe, making location irrelevant in working relationships. Therefore we had no problem selecting a company based at a distance from DANTE's headquarters in Cambridge. PTT delivered an impressive, innovative solution on time and to budget."

For further information please contact Maria Clifford of PTT on 01736 810610 or email maria@ptt.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in PTT through the Combined Universities in Cornwall project's Unlocking Cornish Potential Scheme and the Cornwall Research Fund through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

About DANTE
DANTE is a non-profit organisation whose primary mission is to plan, build and manage research and education networks. Established in 1993, DANTE has been fundamental to the success of pan-European research and education networking. DANTE has built and operates GÉANT2, the most advanced research and education network in the world. GÉANT2 provides the data communications infrastructure essential to the success of many research projects in Europe. DANTE is involved in worldwide initiatives to interconnect countries in other regions to one another and to GÉANT2. DANTE currently manages initiatives focused on the Mediterranean, Latin American and Asia-Pacific regions through the EUMEDCONNECT, ALICE-RedCLARA and TEIN2 (Trans-Eurasia Information Network) projects respectively. For more information, please visit www.dante.net.

About GÉANT2
GÉANT2 delivers the next generation research and education network for Europe. With over 30 million research and education users in 34 countries across the continent, GÉANT2 offers unrivalled geographical coverage, high bandwidth, innovative hybrid networking technology and a range of user-focused services. Its extensive geographical reach interconnects with other world regions, enabling global research collaboration. GÉANT2's comprehensive programme of research and service development keeps Europe at the forefront of global research.

GÉANT2 is co-funded by the European Commission. The project partners are 30 European National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), TERENA and DANTE. It is co-ordinated by DANTE, the research networking organisation that plans, manages and builds research networks all over the world. For more information visit: www.geant2.net.

More about PTT
PTT was founded by Bob Nott and Alan Knight in 1993 to be at the fore-front of what was then the new field of computer-based training (CBT). Since those early days, the Internet has become an important enabler of learning and PTT has developed a considerable expertise in the design and use of online e-learning.

Originally, PTT specialised in developing e-learning for the telecommunications industry but has now widened its market by also developing knowledge-based solutions for other types of organisation. PTT offers a full range of knowledge solutions including e-learning and e-presentation design and development, blended learning design and consultancy, and the supply of learning management tools.

A recent addition to PTT's staff has been analyst/programmer Ross Trewhella who came to PTT through the EU Objective One Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) scheme which is designed to improve the growth potential of SMEs in Cornwall through the placement of graduates to undertake business development projects.

More about PTT and its knowledge solutions: www.ptt.co.uk

More about the telecommunications e-learning offered by PTT: www.learntelecoms.com.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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