Despite optimistic predictions regarding rollout and uptake of wireless Internet access, it remains in early-adoption doldrums, caught in a global economic slowdown where few are prepared to take chances on IT expenditure.

Companies that take pride in being at the cutting edge of technology enjoy the prestige of implementing wireless solutions, and much attention has been to those installed in upmarket café and hotels. However, few developers have been able to come up with a genuinely practical business application that makes a wireless rollout a cost-effective solution to problems that can be overcome with conventional terrestrial technology.

In its plight demonstrate its business benefits, wireless technology has found an unusual ally, far from the high-polish of corporate Australia, and the pair have caught attention of some of the biggest names in technology.

The Adelaide Zoo, better known for its work in the preservation of rare species such as the Sumatran Tiger, can now stand along side some of the most powerful corporations in the world having implemented a wireless LAN, and Internet connectivity throughout its eight hectare (approximately 20 acre) site.

However, Duncan Redman, business manager for the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia says he never set out to place Adelaide Zoo at the cutting edge of technical development.

"Originally the only place that was networked up was the administration centre, and vet centre," Redman said. "So keepers and other zoo staff spent all day walking back and forth between their own offices and the admin buildings just to get access to the Internet, or check their email."

Initially not even considering the possibilities of wireless, Redman set about collecting quotes for laying a fibre optic network throughout the Zoo.

"Because we are an older zoo, we don't have telephone cables running under the pathways," Redman explained. "So we would have to trench up parts of the zoo, and then restore its and put it all back together again, and when ever we changed an exhibit, which happened quite a lot we were looking at having to rewire around it."

Built in the early 1880's the Adelaide Zoo still boasts original cast-iron gates and polychrome brickwork at the Frome road entrance, as well as a series of structures that have been lovingly restored. For a while it seemed the Zoo's aspirations to implement a simple LAN would conflict with its need to preserve its structural heritage. According to Redman, the not-for-profit Adelaide Zoo simply could not afford a fibre optic solution to meet its IT needs.

Discouraged, Redman approached Adelaide based integrator MIMP connecting solutions for an alternative quote. MIMP suggested a wireless solution might suit the Zoo's needs. After a brief discussion about clear line of sight, and other implementation concerns, MIMP provided Redman with a quote that sold him on the idea.

"I don't see it so much as going high tech," says Redman. "It is more important to let your business drive your technological needs rather than vice-versa. The wireless network does what we need it to do, and more, and it was the most affordable option."

Allan Aitchison, general manager at MIMP, brokered the Adelaide Zoo deal and worked on a sizeable proportion of its implementation. His confidence in the infrastructure that he helped to build is contagious.

"I don't think even the vendors realise what their equipment is capable of," Aitchison said. As he walks throughout the zoo he points out the 'cricket bats'; wireless antennas that carry both the LAN and the Internet access and bare a strong resemblance to the Australia's most iconic piece of sporting equipment.

"We kept being told why it couldn't be done, but instead we just went ahead and did it," Aitchison said.

According to Redman the new wireless infrastructure has had benefits far beyond those they initially banked on.

"It has turned into something far bigger than we ever envisaged," Redman said. "A lot of other technology partners like Cisco and Microsoft have come on board to improve the rest of the IT infrastructure, basically because they want to be seen to be involved both with the technology and the Zoo."

Apart from overall improvements to the Zoo's administration, the wireless network, and improvements to the IT infrastructure generally has allowed the Zoo to improve its educational facilities, and will eventually include more interactive exhibits, and online offerings. However, he is doubtful that the infrastructure will lead to an increase in IT related tourism.

"I really don't think we will get people into the zoo just to gawk at the network," Redman said. "It just means we can do what we already do better than we did it before. People come to Zoos to see animals, and support the preservation of species that are in danger, and making sure they find what they are looking for is still our main goal."

Copyright © 2009 CBS Interactive, a CBS Company. All Rights Reserved.
ZDNET is a registered service mark of CBS Interactive. ZDNET Logo is a service mark of CBS Interactive.