Hokkaido Municipality
Developing sustainable towns and communities with advanced cloud communications for more than 10,000 residents
- Country: Japan
- Industry: Government
- Solution: Rainbow, Cloud Communications, Communications Platform As A Service, Networking As a Service, Unified Communications, WiFi Solutions
Hokkaido Information and Communication Infrastructure Utilisation Promotion Council is responsible for communications with residents in eleven towns and villages. They updated their IP announcement system, to a cloud-based solution using the existing ICT infrastructure which delivers a range of services and audio/video communications to the community at the right time.
Challenges
Japan faces challenges including a declining birth rate and an aging population. Additionally, it is the most quake-prone country in the world. The existing communications network was reaching its end-of-support. An adaptable communication, alert and notification system was needed to connect and provide administrative services to elderly and rural residents.
Action
The ICT Council leveraged existing internet connectivity and installed new video-based smart terminals for residents. Priorities for the solution included: Resiliency, security, rapid deployment delivered by cloud technology; high-quality, easy-to-use multimedia end-user devices with familiar phone-centric design and capabilities for new applications; and remote management, monitoring and maintenance to reduce operational costs.
Results
Technical benefits:
- Secure, resilient, scalable cloud service
- High-quality audio, video communications between administration and citizens
- Reliable, intuitive message alert delivery through audio/visual notifications
- Technology that easily adapts over IP phone terminals, tablets and mobiles
- Customised applications adapted to a large touchscreen interface for elderly users
Financial benefits:
- Cloud-based environment removes risks and costs of down-time and maintenance
- Residents can call each other and government teams without cost
- Operational efficiency through remote management and maintenance services
- Cost savings on streamlined transportation with on-demand shuttle service
User experience benefits:
- Easy to operate and access information from a variety of departments
- Video-based communications over an IP phone and phone app bridges residents’ proximity
- The elderly and commuters enjoy easier mobility with the on-demand transportation