Beijing Olympics 2008: Delivering Large-Scale Live IT Monitoring

Key Challenges
Monitoring Large-Scale IT Infrastructure
The Beijing Olympics 2008 presented a monumental challenge in IT infrastructure management. With more than 15,000 devices spread across multiple stadiums, venues, and a central Network Operations Center (NOC), monitoring this vast network required precision and speed. The late closure of the project tender meant that rapid deployment was essential. NetGain’s specialized IT team, in collaboration with ATOS, the global IT partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), had to resolve all preliminary issues swiftly and prepare for any contingencies during the Games.
Key Results
Comprehensive Device Monitoring
Successfully monitored over 15,000 electronic devices across diverse locations.
Proactive Issue Detection
Identified and addressed IT infrastructure issues before they impacted the Games.
Meeting Tight Deadlines
Adapted quickly to meet the stringent requirements of a high-profile event.
Enhanced Product Features
Inspired improvements in NetGain Enterprise Manager, benefiting all customers.

Discovering IT Failure Before “Live” Games
NetGain’s monitoring solution, implemented in collaboration with ATOS, allowed for immediate detection of IT infrastructure issues. This proactive approach ensured that any problems were identified and resolved before they could disrupt the live events. During trial runs, the solution effectively captured and rectified performance issues, ensuring optimal operation during the Games.
Swift Delivery for a Large-Scale Event
In addition to overseeing the main IT infrastructure, NetGain’s solution monitored a variety of devices, including printers and game timers. Despite the tender closing late, NetGain’s experience and expertise facilitated a swift adaptation to the unique demands of the Beijing Olympics. The flexibility of the NetGain Enterprise Manager was crucial in customizing the solution to fit the operational needs of the local IT team, ensuring that all requirements were met promptly.
The challenges faced during the Beijing Olympics spurred enhancements in the NetGain Enterprise Manager. The need for quick customization and stability led to the development of new features that improved usability and reduced the learning curve. These advancements were integrated into the core product, benefiting all NetGain customers and driving continuous improvement in monitoring solutions.
About
The Summer Beijing 2008 Olympics was a landmark event, featuring 10,942 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competing across 28 sports and 302 events. As the most-watched event in human history, the Games captivated approximately 5 billion viewers, representing over 70% of the global population. This unprecedented scale of viewership highlighted the Olympics’ significance and its role in uniting people through the spirit of sportsmanship and international competition.