BRANDON, MANITOBA - February 27, 2002 - In a move to further its vision of technological leadership, Assiniboine Community College (ACC) has deployed the first Cisco-based Internet Protocol (IP) telephony network in the province of Manitoba. The converged voice and data network - based on Cisco AVVID (Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data) and implemented by MTS Communications Inc. (MTS) - will handle all communications and data processing across the campus.
"At Assiniboine Community College, we see ourselves as a leader in high-tech education. By installing a cutting-edge communications network and offering an exceptional technology curriculum, including the Cisco Networking Academy Program, we are taking a huge step toward this goal," said Brent Mills, president of Assiniboine Community College.
In reviewing its communication needs, ACC realized the benefits of IP telephony and chose to install a converged network infrastructure to replace its leased telephone system. The high-speed network infrastructure, deployed at the end of January 2002, features 250 Cisco IP phones with Cisco Unity voicemail.
"The Cisco IP telephony solution was a natural fit. It delivered the flexibility and scalability we needed to expand services as our staff's requirements changed, while simultaneously upgrading our data network," said Bob McTaggart, Director, Administrative Services, Assiniboine Community College. "We also believe IP telephony will provide significant long-term cost savings. The majority of these savings will be realized through managing a single converged network instead of separate voice and data networks and dramatically simplified adds, moves and changes."
"With its extensive track record of providing reliable telecommunications expertise to Manitoba organizations, MTS was the logical choice to help us make this a reality," said McTaggart.
New phone system to reduce costs, improve communications
"MTS is pleased to play an ongoing part in helping Assiniboine Community College fulfill their vision to be an educational leader in applying and teaching technology," said David Rourke, Executive Vice-President - Operations, MTS Communications Inc. "ACC's conversion to IP telephony is an excellent example of how MTS works with its customers to identify and implement the emerging technology solutions that will best meet their business goals."
"Assiniboine Community College is a classic example of a visionary institution leveraging technology to improve communication and reduce costs," said Gilles St. Hilaire, Manager, Western Region Enterprise Operations, Cisco Systems Canada. "IP telephony is emerging as a significant trend in the Canadian education sector because it delivers improved functionality and real cost savings."
IP telephony at ACC is powered by Cisco AVVID - the intelligent enterprise network architecture for today's Internet business solutions. The network includes: Cisco Catalyst 6509 in the core, Cisco Catalyst 3524 switches, Cisco IP phones and the Cisco Unity communications solution.
Cisco Networking Academy Program
ACC began offering the Cisco Networking Academy Program in 2001 in the Computer Systems Technology diploma program. Designed to teach students to design, build and maintain computer networks, the program prepares students for opportunities in the Internet Economy. It combines lectures and online learning with hands-on laboratory exercises in which students apply what they learn in class by working on actual networks. The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a global success story. Officially launched in 1997, there are now 232,000 students enrolled in approximately 8,400 Academies in 133 countries around the world. In Canada the program has grown to more than 320 participating high schools, colleges, technical institutes and universities from coast-to-coast. There are currently more than 9,000 Canadian students enrolled in the program.
For more information visit www.cisco.com/ca/networking_academy/index.shtml.
About Assiniboine Community College
Assiniboine Community College has been in the business of providing quality education and training to residents of western Manitoba for over 40 years. The college's main campus is located in Brandon. A second site, the Parkland Campus, is located in Dauphin, MB. Training sites in several communities including Neepawa, Russell, Swan River and Winnipeg extend program offerings throughout the province. Students can choose from 33 certificate and diploma programs in the areas of agriculture, business and tourism, health care, trades and information technology.
About Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.
Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. ("Manitoba Telecom") is Manitoba's preeminent, full-service telecommunications company. Seamlessly blending innovative solutions and world class technology, Manitoba Telecom connects its customers to the world. Qunara Inc., Manitoba Telecom's e-commerce, e-business and Internet Data Centre subsidiary, provides business solutions across North America. Manitoba Telecom's majority-owned subsidiary, Bell Intrigna Inc., offers leading-edge telecommunications services, including next-generation IP-broadband services, to businesses in Alberta and British Columbia. Manitoba Telecom's common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (trading symbol: MBT).
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at www.cisco.com.
About Cisco Systems Canada
Cisco Systems Canada Co. has offices across Canada dedicated to customer support, sales, and service. In addition, Cisco Systems has a significant research and development centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Additional information about Cisco Systems Canada is available at www.cisco.com/ca.
For Additional Information:
- ACC Contact
Brent Mills
President
204-725-8731
millsb@assiniboine.net - MTS Contact
Melanie Lee Lockhart
Public Affairs Manager
(204) 941-7495
corporate.communications@mts.mb.ca - Cisco Systems Canada Contacts
Willa Black
Cisco Systems Canada Co.
416-306-7732
Pager: 1-800-68-CISCO
wblack@cisco.com
Gareth Pettigrew
Strategic/Ampersand Inc.
416-961-5595 ext. 428
gareth@stratamp.com
