Kent Police in switch to Linux

Authority uses open standards system to keep lid on costs

Kent Police Authority has installed Linux technology to reduce IT costs and expand services.

The Suse Linux infrastructure is running a number of systems for Kent Police force, including collaboration systems and secure identity management.

Andy Barker, head of IT at Kent Police , says the architecture has allowed the force to double its infrastructure to more than 4,000 desktops in the past two years without expanding support.

‘We are always looking to reduce cost so we can move funds to front-line policing. We can also provide access to data from mobile terminals in cars, and to PDAs in police officers’ hands,’ he said.

Ovum analyst David Mitchell says most Linux benefits can be derived from better IT management.

‘Linux doesn’t automatically confer savings unless more mature management practices are adopted as well,’ he said.

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Further Reading:

• Kent Council gets IT refresh
• Hever Castle builds integrated network
• Police bend rule on email access