OVERLAND PARK, Kan., and ELON, N.C. - July 15, 2002 - Elon University is taking advantage of new technology from Sprint (NYSE: FON, PCS) and Cisco Systems to make major enhancements to its campus communications network. Elon has signed an agreement with Sprint, using infrastructure supplied by Cisco, for an Internet Protocol (IP) communications solution, which will place Cisco Unity, an advanced unified messaging solution, at the heart of the university's new communications infrastructure. Together, the two applications will allow Elon to run its phone network over existing fiber optic cables, offer unified messaging and provide a new voice mail system.
"This agreement comes at an important time in our continued growth," said Chris Fulkerson, director of instructional & campus technologies at Elon. "We felt that the timing was right to move to the next generation of telephone and messaging services. Our plan is to be a leader in using converged technologies by taking advantage of the enhancements offered by Sprint and Cisco."
Elon University will immediately begin deploying Cisco's IP Communications solution, which is based on the company's Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data (AVVID), in all newly constructed buildings, with plans to implement the solution campus-wide. Moving to a converged business data network will allow Elon to operate more efficiently than can be done with separate voice and data networks and it provides a solid foundation for future network-based applications and capabilities.
"Sprint has served as Elon University's communications consultant and partner for the past 10 years and we are honored that it has decided to continue this relationship," said Steve Parrott, Sprint state executive for North Carolina. "By implementing this technology, Elon University is making a strong statement that it is committed to providing a rich learning environment using advanced communications technology."
Through Sprint and Cisco, Elon will implement the Cisco Unity unified messaging solution, which will allow faculty and staff various ways to obtain messages through multiple channels. Cisco Unity provides a single point of access to voice, fax and e-mail messages from virtually any communications device, including a telephone, personal computer or Web browser through the Internet.
"Elon University is actually the third university this year to benefit from our alliance agreement with Cisco," said Jaime Jones, vice president of sales for Sprint's Local Telecommunications Division (LTD). "The technological advances the students and faculty will receive is a direct result of our two companies working together to develop innovative processes and solutions for our customers."
Sprint and Cisco announced in December 2001 the expansion of their relationship through a three-year strategic relationship. The agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between these telecommunications and networking industry leaders to forge strong sales, joint marketing and technology development ties well into the future. Sprint and Cisco have teamed up in sales and marketing efforts to deliver a wide range of equipment and services to customers. Initially, the companies are focusing on jointly selling IP-based and broadband services, including dedicated IP, IP VPN and IP Communications. Additionally, the companies recently collaborated on the Sprint Enterprise Content Delivery NetworkSM, a new network solution for business that will enable rich distance learning and communication over a Wide Area Network.
