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Revision as of 07:01, 13 March 2007 by Shruthi.srivatsan (talk | contribs) (Introduction Of the Management; putting in place CVs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)This article describes the Kenyan company Kenya Data Networks (KDN), which is currently Kenya's largest private data carrier and infrastructure provider. KDN operates a combination of microwave radio and fibre optical links, over which it provides layer 2 carrier services (Ethernet, Frame Relay) to corporate customers. Furthermore, KDN houses and maintains a number of international internet gateways, which it wholesells to corporate customers such as ISPs.
Business areas
Kenya Data Networks is a private data communications carrier in Kenya. As of 2006 it is the country's largest private data carrier and operates on a similar scale as the state-run Telkom Kenya. KDN started business when it was licensed as a Public Data Network Operator by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) in 2003. The company's headquarters are located on Mombasa Road, Nairobi.
The CCK has also licensed KDN as a Local Loop Operator (LLO) and to provide fixed line services. Lastly, KDN owns an International Gateway License, under which it wholesells internet connectivity to local ISPs.
KDN is fully owned by the Sameer Investment Group, which owns a number of Kenyan and other African companies and all of whose companies follow strict ethical guidelines and aim to bring sustainable development to their respective countries. KDN's motto is "Keep the data flowing". The current managing director is Kai Wulff.
Infrastructure
Microwave radio
KDN started off by providing infrastructure via microwave radio in a hub-and-spoke topology. Currently it operates a number of base stations in Nairobi, Mombasa and upcountry (Embu, Meru, Kisumu, Diani, Malindi, …), which are connected via directed radio backhauls. This technology will eventually be superseded by more advanced fibre-optical infrastructure.
Metro Fibre Network
As of 2005, KDN started deploying fibre-optical cables throughout Nairobi; a cross-country extension to Mombasa and Kisumu (and eventually Uganda) is taking place in 2006. The fibre network provides vastly greater capacities while also interconnecting to the older radio infrastructure.
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Development and Technology
Telehouse
Kenya Data Networks is home to a telehouse facility which adheres to environmental and security measures and offers:
- Remote Data Centre Facility
This provides space to house IT facilities while meeting all the stringent environmental and security requirements taking away the complications of establishing and maintaining a local data centre at every business' locale
- Disaster Recovery (Database Back-up Centre)
This is a modern facility for clients to use as a data back-up facility in order to ensure that in the event of any disaster (natural or man-made) they have data intact at the telehouse
- Peering Interconnectivity
The Telehouse provides a neutral, high security and reliable location with the capability to interconnect to any one of the carriers or service providers operating in Kenya including Telkom Kenya, SDH Fiber Optic Ring, Kenstream, Kensat, Alldean Satellite and the Celtel Mobile Network among others.
International Gateway
KDN in association with providers such as Gilat Satcom of Israel, Newskies Technologies from the United States of America, Taide Networks, a Norwegian subsidiary firm of Telenor, offers gateway services and provides an Internet backbone carrying upto 70% of all outbound traffic in Kenya.
However KDN does not sell Internet access to end-users directly; which is the domain of Internet service providers. KDN does however provide service to corporate organizations with VSAT licences.
Fixed Lines
This new service is aimed to offer new and advanced multimedia services currently being offered by the traditional PSTN. This long awaited service is being rolled out after KDN was licensed by CCK to provide fixed line services
This infrastructure will also support high quality voice calls and have a significant reduction of call charges due to insensitivity to call distance. Services like multimedia conferences, point-to-point video phone and gaming will be supported by the network to advance communication.
Connectivity Solutions
KDN can provide inter-branch connectivity through a multi-service switching platform. Customers can build their own, customized Wide Area Network (WAN) on this network which supports multiple applications (video, data and voice) over a common infrastructure to meet all data communication and multimedia requirements.
It also allows for the creation of virtual networks across the KDN backbone, enabling differentiation in their service offerings and enhancing client network security.
Client-ISP Connectivity
This service offers a link between the client and their Service Provider (ISP) over the KDN network infrastructure. This service offers highly scalable Ethernet or Frame Relay speeds per interface. The connectivity offered fully supports multiple applications (video, data and voice) over a common infrastructure to provide total data communication and multimedia needs.
KDN has a wide coverage in order to ensure this service is available wherever and whenever you need it. Further more the service is terrain independent and can be provisioned even in remote locations.
Corporate Social Responsibility
KDN is a company that fosters technological growth and expansion. What makes KDN unique is the fact that KDN aims to take this knowledge and technology to the end user as easily and efficiently as possible. As a fast growing company KDN is developing a well-structured corporate social responsibility plan to enhance the lives of all Kenyans.
With this in mind KDN came up with the idea of a lifestyle product: Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly is a lifestyle product that aims to offer broad band wireless connectivity to all and sundry. It aims to create a seamless network that anyone can access with a wireless enabled device.
With such an accessible connectivity solution, KDN aims to promote information flow, global development and understanding, improve workflow and provide all types of services to consumers thus providing cost effective and convenient access for business and individual needs.
Apart from offering internet connectivity, Butterfly seeks to provide services that can be accessible without having to access the internet. These include:
- Local E-mail
- Trade Promotions
- Local Chat
- Real time Remote Security Surveillance
- Virtual Private Networks
- Connectivity to Application Service Providers
- Internet/ E-mail Connectivity through ISPs
- E-Learning Networks
- Local News Networks
- Business to Business connectivity
- Games
- E-Government
- VoIP solutions
- Health care network
- Radio and TV networks
Other Projects
In lieu with the idea of providing everyone connectivity, KDN in conjunction with Kenya SchoolNet is working on a project to donate free wireless communication and internet access for connecting schools and marginalized youth and communities. KDN is also working with the Eagle Unlimited ICT4 E&D project, which strives to facilitate education, social and economical development to the marginalized, underemployed and physically challenged through ICT4 Education, ICT4 Development, ICT4 Sports and Media.
In early 2006 KDN supported the fight against drought by sponsoring over 1 million Kenya Shillings towards drought relief.
The Team
Kenya Data Networks comprises of a dynamic and young work force. With a prolific and creative Management team the company's dedication to enhancing the ICT infrastructure and effeciency in Africa is a reflection of the way forward for any business.