Technology

At GCHQ we are defined by our use of technology. We use it to intercept and gather foreign signals intelligence, and to help protect the Government's IT infrastructure. We house one of Europe's most powerful computers, and employ some 1500 people in IT and related roles. We can be regarded as a technical power-house, developing and deploying some of the world's most advanced hardware and software solutions. If it exists, we'll use it. If it doesn't, we'll find a solution. Even so, we have our work cut out to stay ahead of a world that's determined to stay ahead of us. To give you a flavour of our credentials:

• Our knowledge of IT security (information assurance) is sought by friendly governments and major international organisations
• We've contributed to the development of encryption currently used in online retail
• We're involved in the development of multi-terabyte databases
• We undertake research into cutting-edge secure technologies (including malicious mobile code)
• Our total network bandwidth rivals any leading multinational
• We run PC networks and state-of-the-art supercomputer systems
• We employ Tandem based storage, high-end Sun workstations and D-RAID architectures
• Operating on all frequencies, we're a world leader in antenna design and systems analysis
• Working mainly on an IP platform, we operate Europe's largest LAN, and one of the biggest WANs on earth

If you want to find out more about this area, check out IT, Internet & Engineering