Networking and security integrator Khipu Networks has won a contract to supply Dorset County Council with a wireless LAN network.

The network, based on Alcatel-Lucent’s wireless technology will help the council promote home and remote working among its staff, and also benefit from the cost savings associated with a mobile workforce.

Approximately 500 laptops are registered on the council’s network and able to use wireless, but Khipu will continue to roll out the network to new council premises across the county to further extend wireless access.

Paul Samways, ICT infrastructure officer at Dorset County Council, said: “Like many organisations we have seen demand for home working rise considerably in the last few years – as a local council, we are tasked with trying to meet these staff needs without compromising the provision of public services. By deploying a wireless solution that offers secure and easy access to our network, irrespective of location, we are now able to ensure that flexible working actually translates into quicker staff response times and thus a better quality of service for our citizens.”

Matt Ashman, commercial consultant at Khipu Networks, said: “Local councils are leading the way when it comes to flexible working, and effective WLANs now form an essential component of these policies.

“By extending the network into council workers’ homes and allowing access from all over the UK, location no longer needs to inhibit staff productivity or availability.”

David Parker, vice president for Alcatel-Lucent’s enterprise activities in the UK and Ireland, said: “Dorset County Council is utilising its WLAN to give staff a better work/life balance, while ensuring they always have the resources necessary to deliver a service to county resident.

“The council is transforming itself into a secure organisation through the intelligent use of technology, and this deployment can serve as a blueprint for many other public sector organisations.”