MONTREAL, PQ - May 29, 2000 - McGill University and Cisco Systems Canada today announced a plan to completely overhaul and revitalize McGill's network, using Cisco's Catalyst 3500- and 6500-series switches across both of McGill's Montreal campuses.
McGill's new end-to-end network comprises a three layer architecture and 10,000 ports to provide the robust functionality required to handle a multitude of research projects involving multimedia applications and high performance computing. The new network will allow students and staff access to VoIP capabilities, IP/TV services and 100 MB connections at every workstation on both campuses.
"McGill University is renowned for research and innovation, but in order to continue to attract top students from Canada and around the world, we need to have the tools in place for high level research," says Gary Bernstein, director, Telecommunications and Computing Centre, McGill University. "With an end-to-end Cisco network, we can take on any research project, without worrying about network capacity. Cisco has prepared us for the future by providing the bandwidth our researchers and students demand today and ensuring scalability for future network requirements, with guaranteed quality of service (QoS) levels."
McGill was able to fund the installation of this new network partially through the federal government's "Canadian Foundation for Innovation" (CFI) grant program. The CFI's mandate is to increase the capability of Canadian universities, colleges and other not-for-profit institutions to carry out important world-class scientific research and technology development.
"Education is the equalizer in the Internet Economy and providing the best tools for students and researchers is key to remaining competitive," says Pierre-Paul Allard, general manager, Cisco Systems Canada. "McGill can use their new network to attract and retain top minds by providing the most advanced research network possible."
About Cisco Systems Canada Co.
Cisco Systems - with $16.7 billion (US) in revenues and over 30,000 employees - is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Established in 1990, Cisco Systems Canada employs over 500 Canadians and is headquartered in Toronto, with field sales and service offices across the country. In addition, Cisco also has a state-of-the-art development centre in Kanata, ON - focusing on the development of optical internetworking solutions to build the next generation of the Internet backbone.
The Internet is changing the way people work, live, learn and play - and Cisco Systems Canada is a primary agent of this change and a compelling example of the power of this revolution. By widely deploying business solutions based on the Internet, Cisco Systems saves over $825 million (US) per year in operating costs, has grown revenues by 100% in two years and has increased customer satisfaction at the same time. Cisco produces networking solutions for enterprise organizations, service providers and small/emerging businesses.
For additional information:
- Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins
Communications Officer, University Relations Office
McGill University
(514) 398-6752
E-mail: sylvaind@uro.mcgill.ca - Cisco Systems Canada Co.
Tiffany Schier
Strategic Ampersand Inc.
(416) 961-5595 x406
E-mail: tiffany@stratamp.com
