Telecommunications Networking Group

Telecom Group Focuses Attention on Emerging Challenges

Smoke signals and relay fires, communication drums and horns. All primitive ways of sending information over distances. Fortunately, ancient forms of telecommunication like these have given way to far more sophisticated ways to send information to the farthest reaches of the world. Radio, television, computer networks, the Internet and an array of telephony technologies all belong to the important and ever-advancing realm of telecommunications. With new technological advances presenting themselves in this area every day, it is clear that companies – large and small – should make a concerted effort to stay abreast of current trends, always evaluating what solutions make the most sense in their operating environment.

For the last year and a half, ChemITC has brought telecom-savvy chemical company IT professionals together to share insights and lessons learned regarding the latest telecommunications innovations to enhance global communications and support architectures in the chemical industry. Through a series of bimonthly conference calls and biannual in-person meetings, the Telecommunications Networking Group discusses a wide array of member-chosen topics around office mobile computing, converged data, wide area network (WAN) infrastructure, wireless infrastructure and more.

At its most recent face-to-face meeting in March, nine participants from seven ChemITC Charter member companies came together in Arlington, Va. for a variety of discussions around telecommunications technologies in use at chemical companies today. On the first day of the meeting, participants shared experiences around challenges and activities they are currently facing in their respective corporate and network telecommunications environments.

The second day brought a variety of peer presentations and discussions of interest to members. PPG Industries shared information about wireless data access within their company, including plant floor wireless, different user options and portables. International Specialty Products discussed their experiences in process control network segmentation, tackling the various challenges around segmentation, task responsibilities associated with operation, security and design. Additionally, Bayer Material Science led a discussion about issues and concerns relevant to voiceover IP (VoIP) and Lubrizol reviewed their use of back-up WANs using a virtual private network (VPN).

Looking ahead to the remainder of the year, the Telecommunications Networking Group has a full slate of presentation and discussion topics planned. In July, the group will focus its attention on WAN acceleration and IP addressing will be the topic of discussion in September. The group is also looking forward to their next face-to-face meeting on Tuesday, September 30 during the ChemITC Annual Conference.

All ChemITC Charter members are invited to participate in the Telecommunications Networking Group. If you would like more information or wish to be added to our meeting invite list, please contact ChemITC Panel Manager Bridgette Bourge at bridgette_bourge@americanchemistry.com.