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The UK Link system is at the centre of the UK competitive gas industry. This
is the system that carries all the information that enables customers to switch
between suppliers. Once activated, the majority of switches take place automatically
within the UK Link system. UK Link carries sites, meters and billing information
along with gas Transmission data, and is used by both the gas transporters
and the gas Shipper community.
The system first went live in 1996 with approximately half-a-million supply
points. In 1998 the system was scaled up for domestic gas competition when
a further 19 million supply points were added. Since 1998 the system has grown
by a further two million supply points, and is still growing.
The last technology refresh was undertaken in 2001. IS technology has a typical
shelf life of five to six years. xoserve has been monitoring the performance
of the system and, following a review, it was recommended that UK Link undergoes
an upgrade to its hardware, database version and application toolset.
After having presented our initial thoughts to various industry groups including
the UK Link Committee, xoserve (in conjunction with its selected partners)
started the process of UK Link Technology Refresh at the end of 2006.
This website intends to keep the industry informed of the project and its
developments throughout the Refresh completion.
To view the latest presentation given to various industry committees and work
groups please click here.