AMSCERP (Automated Message Switching and Communication Centre Equipment Replacement Programme)
The Challenge
The Automated Message Switching and Communication Centre Equipment Replacement Programme (AMSCERP) was initiated by the UK MoD to facilitate the replacement of equipment in Communications Centres (COMCENs). The RAF and Army have more than 150 COMCENs around the world.
Initially, the MoD intended to replace existing equipment with more modern equivalents. However, the equipment was of a type (ACP 127/TARE – TApe RElay) that was becoming difficult and expensive to maintain, with the required skills and mechanical components increasingly scarce. Late in the tendering process, a decision was taken to adopt X.400 messaging technology.
The final requirement was to:
- Install a new system with the same degree of interoperability as the old one
- Retain and support existing operational procedures
- Retain the COMCEN organisation and sites.
The Nexor Solution
Nexor provided several components to the selected systems integrator for inclusion in the solution:
Nexor consultants and engineers were involved throughout the project lifecycle, from design to development to implementation. They customised the standard products to address the MoD’s full requirements, including the provision of two plug-ins for Defender (both integrated through the Microsoft Outlook Rules Wizard):
- Auto-Print to print messages automatically on receipt, in the same way as the old telex system had done
- Mark-As-Read to mark messages as ‘read’ automatically after printing.
Nexor provided a comprehensive training package to enable COMCEN staff to get the most out of the new system, delivering 105 system administration courses (addressing both operating system and application components) for 6–8 delegates at a time over 21 months.
Once the system was in use, Nexor provided support and maintenance from February 1998 to December 2004.
The Result
The new system delivered major benefits to the MoD:
- Modern, familiar interfaces for COMCEN staff – easy for anyone familiar with Windows and Outlook to use – removed the need for specialist knowledge.
- Despite the introduction of a modern infrastructure, there was very little impact on operational procedures and so staff could carry on as normal.
- Fully trained system administrators acquired the ability to manage and maintain the system themselves.
- The standards-driven design of all Nexor’s products guarantees interoperability with other MoD and NATO systems.
Nexor’s blend of standard products conformant with STANAG 4406 and development expertise to accommodate specific project requirements enabled its components to be integrated smoothly and easily into the overall system.