Government Shared Network - ARCHIVED Homepage
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NOTE: The Government has decided to close the GSN
On February 3, 2009, the Minister for State Servivces announced that the GSN would be closed and that the State Services Commission would run a procurement process to move existing client agencies to a new provider(s).
SSC is currently working on the procurement process and this will be finalised in the first half of this year. The transition will be complete by the end of 2009.
GSN at a glance
The Government Shared Network (GSN) is a new network that enables government agencies to securely share information at higher speeds and more cost effectively. The shared network improves the delivery of information and services to the New Zealand public.
The information about the GSN and its products contained in this website can also be accessed as a downloadable PDF file [950 KB].
Key features of the shared network
- A secure fibre-optic network connecting government agencies.
- A wide area network (WAN) connecting government agency sites anywhere in New Zealand on a secure voice and data capable network.
- Services delivered on the shared network including internet access, IP telephony, secure remote access and offsite data storage.
How it works
The shared network has a modular structure, enabling agencies to take up services as they require them, and as their existing telecommunications supply arrangements expire.
Agencies are able to access many common applications via the shared network, including:
- High-speed inter-agency connection.
- A secure internet gateway for government.
- IP telephony (phones that operate on internet technology rather than traditional 'land lines')
- Secure remote access.
- Web hosting services.
- Data storage for disaster recovery.
Each agency retains control of its individual security by managing its own GSN firewall.
Development and implementation of the shared network has been co-ordinated by the State Services Commission, in close consultation with participating agencies. On an on-going basis, a governance board will set the strategic direction and objectives.
Benefits of the shared network
The shared network offers a number of potential cost and operational benefits to participating agencies and to government as a whole.
The GSN provides a foundation for transformational improvement in the provision of state services.
The use of telecommunications by many government agencies can be significantly improved by adopting a corporate approach to security, connection and cost effectiveness.
The security of government information systems is significantly improved by consolidating expertise and resources at a small number of network connections.
A shared network provides connection at the telecommunications network layer, which helps to achieve collaboration between agencies for data exchange, shared services and joint service delivery.
Significant improvements in cost-effectiveness are achieved through consolidated use of network services. The Government Shared Network replaces and rationalises duplicated services currently employed by government agencies and delivers a suite of converged voice, video and data transmission at a lower unit cost than that currently available to many agencies through existing supply arrangements.
Current status
The Government Shared Network is to be closed and all participating agencies moved to a new service provider(s) by the end of 2009.
Feedback and corrections
Please send any feedback, comments or corrections in relation to the GSN information contained herein to gsn@ssc.govt.nz.
