Rotorua broadband roll out to bring business benefits

The next stage in Unison Fibre's ultrafast broadband network in Rotorua should start creating opportunities for businesses to reap the benefits of virtual computing.
Second Two of the roll out was launched on Thursday, marking the start of 36km of new fibre cable through Westbrook, Mangakakahi and Owhata.
This will be followed by installation in the central business district and sales and Unison Fibre marketing manager Wayne Baird said this should be completed within the next 12 months.
"This is a great opportunity for Rotorua business to catch up with the rest of the world and become more competitive. We have talked to so many people who's businesses are limited by the capacity of their copper cables."
Baird said the focus was on business customers, schools and health providers at this stage because they needed the technology urgently, but the company might look at supplying private homes in the future.
Unison Fibre general manager Nigel Purdy told The Daily Post he expected work to start on Taupo's network before the end of the year.
Working through local providers ITCO and VIP, the company is offering free connection through its Get On It campaign, potentially saving businesses about $5000. Details are available at www.getonit.co.nz.
Some of the benefits ultrafast broadband were outlined at a launch breakfast at the Novotel Lakeside on Thursday.
Rotorua businessman Rod Meharry spoke on the benefits of cloud computing, saying it provided access to systems and software smaller businesses might not otherwise be able to afford.
"Basically, they have this kick-ass computer and you get to use it."
With cloud computing, businesses access software and systems online, instead of installing them on their servers and hard drives. Staff and accountants and the likes each have their own profile, giving them access to the sections they are authorised for.
"You are not having to shift data around - everyone is working from the same page."
Meharry said the cloud systems could be accessed from devices such as tablets and smartphones - PC or Apple - providing greater flexibility for people to work from home or outside office hours.
He also pointed to the advantages for business continuity, saying most businesses that lose their computer systems are not in business a year later.
"When you lose your creditors and debtors information and all your customer data, it is very hard to recover."
ICT Training and Consulting International Ltd director Damien Toman also spoke at the launch, focusing on virtual systems and servers.
"It will become increasingly difficult to justify the cost of having your own network system."
Toman said the savings in hardware, maintenance and ongoing electricity costs quickly added up and technologies were constantly improving.