Behind the scenes: digital technology is critical to the success of the Olympic Games
Although invisible, digital technology is critical to the successful and sustainable delivery of the Olympic Games, ensuring a unique end-user experience for everyone – from fans and viewers, journalists and commentators, through to athletes, coaches and the whole Olympic Games family.
Together with other Olympic Games technology partners, we believe Tokyo is going to be the most inclusive and innovative Olympic Games ever: delivering real-time results, reinforcing security access through facial recognition and – for the first time at a Summer Games – hosting all critical systems on the cloud, with edge computing capturing data at venues.
Atos & the IOC: a long-standing partnership
It all started in 1989 when Atos became an Information Technology Partner to the Olympic movement!
Atos has contributed to the Olympic movement for around 30 years, providing digital transformation and IT solutions to the Olympic Games since 1992.
As lead technology integrator we bring our long-term experience and trusted expertise to ensure the Olympic Games run smoothly and are secure and digitally enabled.
As a global partner, after the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, Atos will continue its support of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, and the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
“Following the decision from the IOC and Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee to postpone the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, we have used all our experience and resources to face this unprecedented challenge working with all stakeholders to support this complex rescheduling exercise and deliver successful Olympic Games in 2021. All our teams are preparing to make Tokyo 2020 successful, in close cooperation with the IOC, Tokyo 2020 Committee and the Partners. The Olympic spirit is stronger than ever!“
Patrick Adiba
Head of Major Events at Atos
Pushing digital innovative solutions: such as DevOps & cloud native apps
Contributing to more sustainable Olympic & Paralympic Games through our new ”build once, use many times” delivery model”.
Keeping the Games safe through real-time data analytics
A “build once use many times” sustainable cloud delivery model
Integrating a hybrid cloud delivery model from three locations
Atos has integrated a “build once use many times” sustainable cloud delivery model, enabling a central team, based in Barcelona, to support multiple events, with an Integration Testing Lab (ITL) in Madrid and a Technology Operations Center (TOC) in Tokyo.
The Technology Operations Centre (TOC) is the nerve center for technology at Games’ time. It monitors and controls 24/7 the IT systems that deliver the results from all the Olympic sports competitions to the world’s media in real-time.
The Central Technology Operations Center (CTOC) in Barcelona remotely supports the Tokyo Technology Operations Center (TOC) to manage overall IT operations with 24/7 supervision during Games’ time.
The Integration Testing Lab (ITL) located in Madrid manages all the system testing of the Olympic Games. We test and test and test because there’s no second chances at Games’ time!
Further reinforcing security and safety
For the first time in Olympic history, a facial recognition system will be used to ensure safe access at over 350 entry points within 43 venues. Atos is responsible for the overall Advanced Access Control System (AACS) and will reinforce security systems at the event with the support of Panasonic’s solutions and equipment, using NEC’s facial recognition.
Relaying results in real-time
Real-time information and results to the world’s broadcast media, keeping everyone – whether in the stadiums, or watching at home – up to date with all the action
Delivered via the Atos Commentator Information System (CIS), which delivers results on touch-screen PCs in less than a second to broadcasters worldwide
Atos is the Worldwide IT Partner of the Paralympic Games
Atos has provided IT solutions to the Paralympic Games since 2002 and is the Worldwide IT partner of the International Paralympic Committee since 2008.
The Paralympic Games are elite sport events for athletes and clearly emphasize the participants’ athletic achievements, not their disability.
The movement has grown dramatically since its early days. The role of IT at the Paralympic Games is changing significantly, reflecting new expectations about its organization, delivery and experience.
Our business technologists support the Paralympic Games and over 20 other major para-sport events including events such as the IPC Athletics World Championships and IPC Swimming World Championships.
“The International Olympic Committee (IOC), The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and The Government of Japan have agreed on new dates for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad.
The Paralympic Games will be celebrated from August 24 until September 5, 2021.
As the Worldwide IT Partner of the Paralympic Games, we will adapt to these new dates and fulfill our role in delivering the IT services for the event.”
Michele Hyron
Atos Chief Integrator of the Olympic & Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020
“Atos, the Worldwide IT Partner of the IPC since 2008, has enabled the Paralympic Games to grow securely in the digital age.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to the IPC, not least the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Throughout this period Atos have provided dedicated support, working with the IPC and all the stakeholders to ensure that the complex rescheduling exercise progresses on time for the Paralympic Games in 2021.”
Andrew Parsons
International Paralympic Committee President
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