Ipswitch WhatsUp To Keep The Eurotunnel Trains Running

Published 10th September 2007

Ipswitch Network Monitoring Tool Helps in Ensure Vital 24/7 Network Uptime...

Ipswitch, Inc., a leading developer of network monitoring, messaging and secure managed file transfer solutions, announced today that Eurotunnel, operators of the famous Channel Tunnel rail link, has purchased multiple copies of WhatsUp Gold to provide 24/7 monitoring of its integral new network, to be deployed later this year. Live, backup and development copies of the popular network monitoring tool will all be installed to provide non-stop monitoring of critical network equipment and key nodes in the network such as the automatic tolls at each end of the tunnel.

Eurotunnel operates the cross-Channel twin rail tunnels between Folkestone, UK and Coquelles, France. Since opening in 1994, 195 million passengers and 176 million tonnes of merchandise have passed through the Tunnel, which with an undersea section of 37.9 km (23.55 miles) is the longest undersea tunnel in the world and the second-longest rail tunnel in the world at a total of 31 miles.

”Eurotunnel manages a transport system whose speed, frequency and safety are without compromise,” explained Eurotunnel Network Analyst John Bird. “WhatsUp Gold is much the same and has a well deserved reputation as a tool that can be quickly and intuitively configured to monitor any given network.”

Eurotunnel’s new network includes over 3,000 ports and is spread amongst 80 separate sites on both sides of the Channel. “We obtained a trial version of WhatsUp Gold and were incredibly impressed with its simplicity, which contrasts very favourably with the mammoth task of what we would have to do to implement another famous tool that was far from price comparable,” added Bird.

“The Channel Tunnel is something that everyone in Europe is very proud of, so it brings enormous satisfaction that Ipswitch solutions will be playing such a key part in ensuring the essential commerce and leisure link remains open,” comments Ipswitch Sales Director for Northern Europe, Chris Greaves. “Eurotunnel has quickly discovered that WhatsUp delivers on its two promises of blending network monitoring and comprehensive windows-based application with ease of use, allowing IT managers such as Bird to turn network data into actionable business information and keep on the right track – whatever industry they are in.”