Free and discounted IT gets flood-hit Queensland businesses back online

For Immediate Release: January 19, 2011

Hundreds of businesses in Brisbane’s CBD and other flood affected areas are still at a standstill because they cannot access their computer networks, according to an IT company which is offering free and discounted services to help flood-affected businesses. The delays are caused by the challenge of building clean up and in particular restoration of elevator services that require maintenance and safety work to be completed before they can be put back into operation.

ASX-listed, Brisbane-based IT, communications and technology company IntraPower Ltd today said that, while its own Business On-Demand customers were unaffected, many other businesses were struggling and had been left limping along with no or very minimal IT services.

IntraPower Chief Operating Officer Darc Rasmussen said the company had received dozens of telephone calls from non-customers wanting emergency help to get back online.

“Many Queensland businesses are struggling to resume operations after floods destroyed their IT systems and data or shut down offices and sub-standard data centres,” Mr Rasmussen said.

“Organisations are losing productivity and their competitive advantage against local and interstate businesses that have continued to operate through this crisis.”

Mr Rasmussen said IntraPower had some capacity to provide immediate emergency support for as many non-customers as it could effectively assist. This would help businesses gain rapid access to their emails, get a fully operational Virtual Desktop and potentially restore data and IT systems without having to replace failed hardware.

IntraPower manages IT and communications systems for more than 2000 businesses. Customers using the IntraPower Business On-Demand systems have not been affected by flood-related IT outages. The company operates a High Availability Network and delivers Trusted Cloud IT services that allow businesses to operate from anywhere they can access an internet connection – be it at home, from a 3G data connection, an alternative office or even an internet cafe.

IntraPower has teamed up with a number of IT businesses, including Telstra Wholesale, Data Outsource and BigAir Group Limited, to provide free and discounted IT assistance. BMT WBM, Consulting Engineers and Scientists, are also donating fully furnished office space with seating capacity for more than 90 people in the inner-city Brisbane suburb of Spring Hill.

“BMT WBM, Consulting Engineers and Scientists, are privileged to be able to support Brisbane businesses affected by the recent flood event by providing temporary corporate premises to enable them to recommence their operations. We believe this assistance is of vital importance to the business community as a whole, minimising off-line time, providing businesses access to relevant data & operational systems and assisting the local community in moving forward after the recent devastating floods.” Said a representative of BMT WBM.

In collaboration with IntraPower, BigAir Group Limited are donating a large wireless link to the IntraPower High Availability Network. IntraPower will provide a free business grade high speed broadband Internet connectivity to businesses wishing to use the Spring Hill office facility. Telstra Wholesale is supporting this initiative by making a high speed terrestrial link available to Intrapower on a concessional basis.

In addition, IntraPower is offering flood affected businesses free email services, based on available capacity, as well as a 40% discount on Virtual Desktops (Desktop On-Demand) and Virtual Servers (Infrastructure On-Demand). Desktop On-Demand includes the full Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook. It can be accessed from anywhere and can be up and running within hours. Infrastructure On-Demand can be used to restore backups and get applications back up and running very quickly.

The offer is limited based on current spare capacity that the company is making available for this offer. Businesses will be free to migrate their data back to their own systems once they become available.

The emergency IT assistance can be obtained by contacting 1300 136 741. Those with access to email should contact bod@intrapower.com.au or enter a Quick Inquiry at the IntraPower website, www.intrapower.com.au.

Mr Rasmussen said those businesses facing serious disruption included many major service organisations. “They include lawyers, accountants, medical professionals and financial services providers, whose operations have come to a standstill or are limping along because of IT failures or the inability to access their systems or their office buildings. Some other businesses affected are in the recruitment, travel, logistics and property sectors.”

Mr Rasmussen said an example of a business which was able to trade through the crisis with no disruption was Queenslands largest conveyancing law firm with it’s head office at 215 Adelaide Street in Brisbane and nine offices spread across the state.

“We have been cut off from our Brisbane CBD offices since Tuesday, 11. January and do not expect to regain access before Monday next week” Lee Bailie, CEO of Conveyancing Works Solicitors said, “Once the disaster struck we simply sent our staff home or to other offices and continued working virtually using the IntraPower Trusted Cloud solution – our service provision was uninterrupted for our clients. With this system we aim to be paperless and have access anytime from anywhere to our business critical systems. We have been able to continue servicing our customers and meeting our deadlines and mission critical commitments.” Bailie said “Our IT systems have allowed us to focus our attention to working with our clients and ensuring our staff are able to access their files and systems, as well as support their family and friends who have been effected by the floods.”

For more information, please contact:
Darc Rasmussen, Chief Operating Officer, 0407 317 344

About IntraPower Limited
IntraPower is a public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:IPX) and the leader in the provision of high availability On-Demand Information, Communication, Technology & Telecommunications (ICT & T) services to commercial and government organisations in Australia. IntraPower’s speciality is ensuring that IT never distracts its clients from focusing on their core business.

IntraPower’s Trusted Cloud solution delivers unified IT, Voice, Data Communications and Infrastructure as a service. The organisation services over 2,000 customers nationwide from its offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and through a national network of professional Partners. Find out more at  http://www.intrapower.com.au/IntraPower_Flood_Relief.html

About BMT WBM
Based initially in Brisbane, BMT WBM has expanded its presence world-wide.

BMT WBM is a specialist consultancy focusing on the application of leading edge technology in the fields of engineering and environment.

BMT WBM has built a reputation for solving the more difficult and challenging problems facing machinery designers, manufacturer and operators. From massive bulk handling equipment to small mass-produced machinery components, we provide assistance in the acquisition or design of new machinery.

BMT WBM is also one of Australia’s largest and most experienced specialist environmental consultants. With over 35 years experience, we offer unequalled resources and expertise in water and environmental consulting. www.bmtwbm.com

About Data Outsource
Data Outsource is a Brisbane based provider of business continuity and disaster recovery solutions; In the form of design and consultancy, data centre services, backup and recovery services and business continuity services.

For more information, please contact:
Peter Black , Managing director, 1300 600 774
Andrew Brabant, BCP Consultant 0402374328
www.dataoutsource.com.au

About BigAir Group Limited
BigAir owns and operates Australia's largest metropolitan fixed wireless broadband network. The Australian business market comprises nearly one million businesses and BigAir's network provides near blanket coverage across its seven largest cities Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle and the Gold Coast. BigAir sells broadband and data services primarily through its channel partners who include ISPs, Carriers, and other IT service companies who have existing relationships with business customers in order to deliver BigAir's high speed, cost effective fixed wireless broadband solutions.

BigAir's competitive advantage includes its state-of-the-art business-grade fixed wireless network which allows it to install business-grade symmetric broadband services at speeds up to 1000Mbps and distances up to 30km from its base stations with installation taking just a few hours.

For more information, please contact:
Jason Ashton
Chief Executive Officer
BigAir Group Limited
02 9993 1316 | jason@bigair.net.au