VANCOUVER, BC - June 5, 2001 - The BC Cancer Agency and Cisco Systems have implemented an IP telephony solution at the Agency's new Vancouver Island Centre in Victoria, British Columbia.
The high-performance voice, video and data network, powered by Cisco AVVID (Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data), provides a comprehensive workforce optimization solution that leverages Internet technologies to increase employee productivity while reducing operational costs. The BC Cancer Agency's converged network will deliver several key benefits including: video conferencing; simplified administration; increased reliability and redundancy; and significant cost savings in terms of IT resources and long distance telephone charges.
"This is an investment in the future, an investment that will allow our organization to enhance efficiency and service delivery," said Don Henkelman, Chief Information Technology Officer, BC Cancer Agency. "We have ambitious plans to expand the AVVID solution to all BC Cancer Agency facilities, a move that will allow us to realize the full range of exciting applications our converged network will enable," he adds.
"The Internet economy is creating an environment where today's healthcare leaders are extending their strategies to exploit information technology to enhance patient care and service delivery," said Gilles St. Hilaire, Manager Western Region Enterprise Operations, Cisco Systems Canada. "The BC Cancer Agency is a great example of how a forward-thinking healthcare organization can leverage technology to cost-effectively improve support and service."
Smooth Installation
The implementation of the voice and data network, including 270 IP phones, was completed over several months by ESSC, the Advanced Networking Division of Ram Technology Solutions, while the Vancouver Island Centre was being completed.
"We anticipate that IP Telephony will soon become a major percentage of our network integration business, as our customers are aware of the benefits of converging their networks and see that it is viable now," said Dave Brereton, Region Manager, BC for ESSC/RAM. "Many companies plan to converge their networks in the not too distant future."
"The installation went extremely smoothly. There were very few problems installing the converged network, certainly no more than you would expect with a straight PBX installation," added Henkelman. "In addition, the reliability of the IP telephony solution has been as high, or higher, than what we would expect from a traditional phone system."
The Vancouver Island Centre implementation uses a Cisco Catalyst 6509 multilayer core switch with Cisco Catalyst 3524-PWR-XL Layer 2 edge switches. The 3524 switches are attached via Gigabit Ethernet to the core 6509 switch, which provides routing between the various VLANs at the site. Also in use are two MCS-7835 CallManager servers, one as the primary and one as a redundant backup. These CallManager servers handle the call processing functions for the site.
About the BC Cancer Agency
The BC Cancer Agency is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Research Centre conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer. The BC Cancer Foundation has a mandate to raise funds to support the work of the Agency and Research Centre.
About ESSC
RAM Technology Solutions is Canada's largest privately owned systems integrator and technology provider. An industry leader in the implementation of end-to-end networking solutions and a Cisco AVVID certified partner Canada-wide, ESSC/RAM has extensive experience deploying the converging technologies of computing, telephony and internetworking. With offices in every major Canadian City, and a staff of hundreds, ESSC/RAM is able to support technology solutions that provide strategic business advantages to its customers.
About Cisco Systems Canada Co.
Cisco Systems is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Established in 1990, Cisco Systems Canada Co. has over 375 employees across Canada dedicated to sales and service. In addition, Cisco has approximately 400 employees at its research and development site in Ottawa, Ontario.
As the Internet is changing the way people work, live, learn and play, Cisco Systems 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 $1.35 billion (US) per year in operating costs, has grown revenues by 100 per cent 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.
For Additional Information:
- Libby Brown
Public Relations
BC Cancer Agency
Phone: (604) 877-6107
E-mail: LBrown@bccancer.bc.ca - Willa Black
Cisco Systems Canada Co.
416-306-7732
Pager: 1-800-68-CISCO
E-mail: wblack@cisco.com - Tiffany Schier
Strategic/Ampersand Inc.
416-961-5595 ext. 406
Pager: 1-800-68-CISCO
E-mail: tschier@cisco.com
