Dimension Data to upgrade defense supply networks

Dimension Data, a division of Dimension Data Holdings plc in London, received a $3.8 million delivery order from the Defense Department to upgrade and support local and wide area networks for the Defense Supply Center, the company said.

The Defense Supply Center, based in Richmond, Va., is part of the Defense Logistics Agency's inventory control system. It handles aviation parts and other supplies for the Defense Department. Its networks support more than 2,500 users.

The delivery order is for one year with four one-year options. It was awarded under Dimension Data's contract with the General Services Administration.

"Because [we] provide logistics support to the military around the clock, availability and security are of the utmost importance," said Steve Clark, the Defense Supply Center's telecommunications manager. "The improved network will offer remote access, high availability, better scalability, and enhanced security."

Reston, Va.,-based Dimension Data is already familiar with the group's networks. The company helped the supply center migrate from a Fiber Distributed Data Interface network to a gigabit Ethernet switched network.

Dimension Data's other government customers include the Administrative Offices of the U.S. Courts. The company had 2003 revenue of $2.1 billion. It employs 7,500 people worldwide.