Cisco to help network B'lore

Networking giant Cisco has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Karnataka government as part of its worldwide Intelligent Urbanisation initiative.

Under the MoU, the state government and Cisco will roll out the ‘Intelligent Bengaluru’ pilot project. This project encompasses developing hi-tech solutions in the public space relating to areas like safety and security, transportation, buildings, power distribution, energy usage and environment conservation.

A pilot project will initially be carried out of the Kempe Gowda Bus Station in Bangalore, and later extended to other locations in the city depending on priority areas and concerns specific to each location, top Cisco officials said.

Cisco will work with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Karnataka police to improve public safety and security around the bus terminals.

The project will enable public safety and security at strategic points within the terminal by offering remote monitoring capabilities with real-time information relays.

The company did not disclose the amount of investments in the project with KSRTC, or names of locations identified for future pilot projects in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said public safety and security, healthcare and energy would be the government’s primary focus under the Intelligent Bengaluru project.

Cisco chairman and chief executive officer John Chambers said governments were beginning to play more active roles by fostering public-private partnerships.

“This marks a fundamental shift in the way technology is being taken to the common man. In India, the Karnataka government has taken the lead in making technology part of public life and involving everybody as active shareholders in the process. Extending the reach of the network and information will be crucial to driving effective urban transformation,” Chambers said.