TORONTO, ON - November 29, 2000 - Bell Canada today announced the launch of one of Canada's largest IP Telephony networks at Algonquin College, an initiative made possible as a result of recent approval Bell received from Cisco Systems to sell, design, deploy and support Cisco IP Telephony services in Canada.
The next generation network developed by Cisco Systems Canada and jointly supported by Bell Canada recently went live at Algonquin College's new student residence, its Police and Public Safety Institute, and its Pembroke campus. The state-of-the-art network showcases the next evolution in the convergence of voice and data communications.
Sprawled across five sites in Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke Ontario, Algonquin College has over 10, 000 full time and close to 50,000 part time students and is one of the first educational institutions to seize upon the opportunities inherent in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. As of today, there are 550 IP phones on the campus with plans to increase that number to 3,000 over the next three years, eventually making IP phones standard issue for faculty and students. The new unified, IP-based network handles approximately 190,000 calls per week and can deliver increased efficiencies and reduce costs over a range of applications.
"After discussions with Cisco and Bell, we realized IP Telephony would offer us the opportunity to take advantage of Internet technology and networking services by increasing capacity and reliability while minimizing operating costs," said Barry Brock, Director, Information Technology Services, Algonquin College. "By introducing both voice and data on one network, we are now able to provide an incredible wealth of new applications such as phone-based Web browsing, improved customer service, and Webcasting for our staff and students."
Bell Canada began work on the new IP Telephony system in May 2000, after becoming the first service provider in Canada to receive the specialization designation that enables it to sell, design, deploy and support Cisco IP Telephony solutions. The converged infrastructure is based on Cisco's AVVID (Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data) and provides significant benefits, including lower phone call costs, simpler network administration and support and increased flexibility to meet expanding telephone and computer network needs well into the future. AVVID also includes IP/TV for streaming high-quality end-to-end communications over IP networks, and IP/VC for video conferencing application deployment.
"Bell is proud to achieve Cisco IP Telephony certification in the convergence business market," said Norm Silins, General Manager, Business ISP and E-Commerce, Bell Canada. "Through our vendor partnerships, Bell can help all business customers - regardless of their size - take full advantage of IP Telephony solutions designed to optimize their telecommunications networks to meet the business needs of today and tomorrow."
"Our partnership with Bell Canada in IP Technology is key for projects such as this to be successful," said Brent Rebus, Director, Channel Operations, Cisco Systems Canada. "The Cisco Channel Specialization Program enabled Bell Canada to differentiate themselves from the competition and meet the challenges posed by the New World of integrated data, voice and video technology. With a truly functional IP telephony system in place, Algonquin College is set for the future."
Within the next year, the college hopes to add several new applications including interactive services over the Web. For example, when a student or potential student goes online, a customer service agent in the college's registrar's office will be able to interact with the visitor in real-time to assist with course selection.
"This is an opportunity to move our student service capability well into the future," added Brock. "Right now we provide basic phone service. With the new network, one agent can handle everything - voice, video, interactive voice response, e-mail and the Web, guaranteeing much better service all around."
About Bell Canada
Bell Canada provides a full range of communications services to customers, including wired and wireless local and long distance telephone services, Internet access, high-speed data services and directories. Bell Canada, its telecom partners and subsidiaries provide services through 13.6 million access lines, including 11 million in Ontario and Québec. Bell Canada also serves more than 2.8 million wireless customers through Bell Mobility. Bell Canada is 80% owned by BCE Inc. of Montréal and 20% owned by SBC Communications Inc. of San Antonio, Texas. Bell Canada's Internet Web site is located at http://www.bell.ca. News releases, speeches and background information are in the Newsroom. Our e-mail address is forum@bell.ca.
About Cisco Systems Canada Co.
Cisco Systems - with $18.8 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 300 employees across Canada dedicated to sales and service. In addition, Cisco has approximately 350 employees at their research and development site in Kanata, Ontario.
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. Additional information on the company and its products can be found at http://www.cisco.com/ca.
Press Contacts:
- Willa Black
Cisco Systems Canada Co.
416-306-7732
Pager: 1-800-68-CISCO
Cell: 416-464-9839
wblack@cisco.com - Gareth Pettigrew
Strategic/Ampersand (for Cisco)
416-961-5595 ext. 428
gareth@stratamp.com - France Poulin
Bell Canada - Québec
514-391-2007
1-877-391-2007 - Norm Berberich
Bell Canada - Ontario
416-581-3311
1 888 482-0809
E-mail: norm.berberich@bell.ca
