HANOI, Vietnam -- 2 May 2001 -- Vietnam Telecom International (VTI) of Vietnam Post and Telecommunications (VNPT) has just completed the installation of a high-speed Data Communication Network (DCN), based on industry-leading networking equipment from Cisco Systems, with the aim of optimizing international billing applications throughout the country. The network spans Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City.
The multi-million dollar project is part of a Business Cooperation Contract (BCC) between Telstra Corp. (Australia) and VTI that will not only improve the international billing process by making it more accurate, efficient and cost-effective, but will also significantly improve Vietnam's current telecommunications infrastructure.
Originating from the demand of focused management and network integration with the reliability, VTI has decided to choose scalable Cisco-based Data Communications Network solution, which will enable them to effectively meet operational requirements with a manageable and scalable network, enabling a graceful migration path to New World services. VTI will also be able to seamlessly migrate its existing X.25 and proprietary-based networks to a single IP standards-based technology providing connectivity between network elements and their respective operations support systems (OSS).
VTI's existing billing network was installed in 1990. The information used to be collected from each local billing center by magnetic tape and transferred to VTI's headquarters via dial-up modem access, which was slow, inefficient and prone to human error. With the implementation of the new Cisco network, VTI will be able to remotely collect the billing information from each local billing center seamlessly.
In the first phase of the project, a wide range of Cisco networking products were used including the Cisco Catalyst 3662, Cisco Catalyst 2924M/2924 XL, and CiscoWorks network management software.
"We needed an alternative that would provide better integration with the network and better reliability," says Ngo De, Director of VTI. "Currently, the data communication network is the most advanced solution and Cisco has a great end-to-end DCN solution that scales from our smallest central office to the largest central office. We've had an excellent record with them in terms of products and support."
"Cisco's focus on customer service and on working closely with our customers, and Sao Bac Dau, a member of our ecosystem in Vietnam, to provide them with the networking solutions that they require, is one of the factors for the successful implementation of this project. Service providers such as VTI have very special needs but ultimately, Cisco's ability to build a Network of Networks, spanning the entire value chain – from small and medium companies to service providers is proving to be decisive." said Ha Huy Hao, Country Manager, Cisco Systems Vietnam.
"We are truly in a new world of networking with revolutionary new business models. VTI's new network was completed after a 90-day pilot process. VTI can now take advantage of the productivity benefits of its advanced billing applications."
Sao Bac Dau (ISP), the local systems integrator for the project, was responsible for network design, implementation and installation. With the professional integration skills of ISP's staff, VTI connected the three gateways in the main cities into a single LAN/WAN network successfully.
"We are extremely pleased to be chosen as a major contractor in this project. Cisco's solutions and products are very appropriate for Vietnam and the global telecommunications network. The successful implementation affirms our smart choice of strategic products and partners as well as the tight cooperation of Telstra-VTI and ISP in project management." says Nguyen Duc Quang, Director of ISP Company.
About VTI
Vietnam Telecom International (VTI) was founded on March 31, 1990. VTI is a subsidiary company of Vietnam Post and Telecommunications.
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at www.cisco.com.
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