Utility buys IT for National Grid transfer

Gas pipeline operator buys full system stack from Sun Microsystems

Northern Gas Networks has bought a single integrated IT infrastructure.

The utility company, which operates gas pipelines supplying 2.5 million customers across northern England, is taking on a Sun Microsystems to help simplify dealing with regulatory compliance.

Basil Scarsella, Northern Gas Network's chief executive says the overhaul of his company's IT systems has been a major operation.

'The technology will ensure timely and smooth transfer of our assets, information and expertise from National Grid to our own network, resulting in cost and operational efficiencies,' he said.

Northern Gas took over north England's gas pipelines in June 2005 following a sale by the National Grid, and as well as compliance, wants the Sun systems to help its customer service efforts.

Under the deal Northern Gas will get hardware, software and services from Sun including servers, wide and local networks, a Windows server operating system and 24/7 remote support for the entire set-up.