OTTAWA, ON - August 9, 2001 - Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, and Carleton University, a nationally recognized leader in advanced technology studies, today announced they have jointly established a research chair in wireless and optical network engineering, an initiative designed to establish a world-class internetworking research institution in Ottawa.
"Carleton University welcomes this strategic partnership with Cisco Systems," says Vice-President (Research), Feridun Hamdullahpur. "It will enable our students and researchers to achieve the highest level of research excellence and will increase our capacity for generating and applying new knowledge in optical and wireless communications."
The research chair is made possible through a five-year, $750,000 sponsorship by Cisco Systems Canada. The company also donated more than $500,000 worth of equipment to develop the sophisticated network infrastructure necessary for advanced research projects. In addition, Cisco will make engineering resources available to help Carleton design its IP infrastructure and assist in developing a curriculum for a new undergraduate Information Technology (IT) program at Carleton.
"We've joined with Carleton University to stimulate advanced research on internetworking in Canada," said Bob Singleton, Vice President, Technical Operations, Americas International at Cisco Systems. "The Ottawa region is internationally renowned for its expertise in optical and wireless networking. Through the Cisco Chair in Internetworking, we aim to nurture the next generation of high-tech leaders and cutting-edge innovation."
"The evolution of optical and wireless networking towards seamless, end-to-end, Internet Protocol-based, open-standards solutions requires a great deal of multi-disciplinary expertise - a rare combination that Carleton University offers," said Dr. Jacek Chrostowski, Technology Program Manager, Office of the CTO Canada, Cisco Systems Inc. "Innovative ASIC design, 4G wireless concepts and unified control of wireless/optical networks are all strong areas of research at Carleton. This combination of expertise will complement our internal development efforts and nurture highly-trained, Canadian graduate students."
Firmly established in the Ottawa area, Cisco Systems operates a dedicated research and development facility in Kanata, which employees approximately 400 staff.
About Carleton University
Carleton University is a research-intensive institution with a strong commitment to teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The University's specializations in public affairs and management and in high technology studies are supported by established core programs in arts, social sciences, science and engineering. Carleton's research enterprise is tightly interwoven with the area's telecommunications industry and the University is a key player in fueling the region's knowledge economy. With approximately 18,000 full- and part-time students and 1,500 faculty and staff, Carleton offers a vibrant work and learning environment.
About Cisco Systems Canada
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.
For Additional Information:
- Janet Weichel McKenzie
Carleton University
613-520-2600 ext. 8705
613-299-1542 (cell)
E-mail: JanetWeichelMcKenzie@pigeon.carleton.ca - Gareth Pettigrew
Strategic/Ampersand Inc.
416-961-5595 ext. 428
E-mail: gareth@stratamp.com
