[2] Many UK government organisations used the GSi to transfer files on a peer-to-peer (P2P) basis between similarly accredited networks.
The concept of GSi was defined by the Cabinet Office, and was turned into practical reality by the Internet Special Products group of Cable & Wireless (then known as Mercury Communications) at their Brentford premises.
This was a direct consequence of the two key technical people driving the project, one from Cable & Wireless, one from the UK government in the form of the CCTA.
[citation needed] The creation of GSi handed Cable & Wireless a monopoly on UK government data connectivity.
[citation needed] The development of GSi was also the root of the creation of the CESG Listed Adviser Scheme (CLAS).
During the build of GSi, the need for accredited advisers became clear as advice on connectivity invariably involved discussing government confidential matters.
[3] The GSi and Managed Telecommunications Service (MTS) framework agreements finished in August 2011 with contracts running on to 12 February 2012.
GC Mail can be used now to replace the existing less efficient and less secure methods of exchanging data between local authorities and the Police.