Umbria Offers a New Vision for Politics

Background

A significant issue for the Italian government in recent years has been the efficiency of its public administration. The problem begins in the country’s regions, the 20 territorial entities into which Italy is historically and constitutionally divided, including the region of Umbria in Central Italy.

Huawei designing a videoconferencing system for Umbria creates a brilliant example of efficiency and resource modernization coming together to address this problem.

Challenges

Improving efficiency and resource pain points is difficult

One of the Umbria’s main concerns is daily communication with territorial entities such as local communities and health companies. However, it also has to liaise with other regions, up to the highest level, as well as the Italian Ministries and the European Union.

“As a Region, we need to talk to each other using video conferencing many times throughout the day about institutional issues we deal on a daily basis,” Umbrian Regional Director for Technological and Digital Infrastructures Graziano Antonielli said. “However, we did not have adequate accommodations to do this in terms of either quantity or quality. We only had a couple of movable systems, so each time there was a need for video conferencing, it was logistically difficult to arrange.”

So, during re-organization of the Umbria Regional building, it was decided to set up at least one fixed meeting room on each of the six floors, for a total of 10. In addition, each room needed integration into a broader digital system to make it accessible to all Umbrian administrations and avoid expensive relocation costs.

Solution

To achieve this vision Umbria searched for a cutting-edge technology solution and, after a tender bid, it chose the Huawei solution proposed by In.I.T., one of Huawei’s primary partners and a member of Group Partners Associates.

Huawei’s RP Series Telepresence system

A Huawei Gold Partner since 2014, In.I.T. quickly identified Huawei’s RP Series Telepresence system as the ideal solution. Available with one or two HD displays (RP100 or RP200), it provides high-quality video conferencing by integrating HD video, cameras, microphones and data into one easy-to-use solution. Using a pedestal stand with wheels makes it effortlessly to move from one room to another.

The system features full HD 1080p video at 512 Kbit/s, A CC-LD wideband CD-quality audio, and 20 percent packet-loss resilience support — allowing up to 50 percent savings in bandwidth costs.

The associated TE Mobile Videoconferencing soft client delivers a superior audiovisual experience when installed on mobile phones and tablets, making it easy for users to make video calls, join video conferences and share presentations.

“One of the main advantages of this solution — as with all Huawei solutions — is the use of standard, not proprietary protocols,” Chief Technology Officer of In.I.T. Francesco Donadio said. “This makes it possible to build infrastructures that are understandable to those who use them and that can easily be expanded. Each room can be equipped with as many wireless microphones as needed. It is also possible to add cameras, so that you can move the action to a wider audience.”

However, the system does more than allow sharing and participation. It offers centralized room management, reservations, and technical assistance (everything can be done remotely). Point-to-multi-point communications features connect multiple virtual rooms with a single room, and add the ability to share audio content and real-time video with Android mobile systems and Skype calls.

Benefits

A new vision for efficient communication

Huawei’s highly customized solution for the Umbrian region has been up and running for more than a year, and has met the needs of both its partners and customers.

In.I.T. has already received similar requests for Huawei technology from other regional entities. It is apparent that Umbria’s digital communications success has become a great example of what Huawei can achieve.

“The platform has improved the quality of our meetings and work in the Umbrian region,” Donadio said. “It has proved to be an innovation in public administration.”

For the Umbrian region, efficiency is measured by a highly competitive quality-to-price ratio and further savings from logistics optimization.

“Three different suppliers participated in the tender, then, after making a price comparison and offering features, we chose Huawei,” Manager of Technology Giuliano Antonelli said. “There was a good cost reduction. Video conferencing avoids the need for travel to Rome or elsewhere, saving travel time. So, there is definitely an economic return.”

Personalized solutions and innovative technology has afforded more effective communication between political parties, taxpayer savings and, ultimately an improved image for both public administrations and partners. In short, the region’s objectives were achieved, confirming that its vision of the future — since working with Huawei — could never be better.