BRISBANE, Australia - October 14, 2002 - Cisco Systems, Inc. is to provide networking equipment for use in "Silver Communities", creating Australia's first voice over Internet Protocol networking solution for a residential property development.
Silver Communities is a partnership between BRB Management Group and body corporate management specialist, Stewart Silver King & Burns. Silver Communities consults with building agencies to develop 'smart living' environments for the multidwelling-unit market.
Through its strategic relationships with Cisco, Powertel, IP Systems and Getronics, Silver Communities will provide a range of in-home broadband services across one IP-based network at its "Central Park Apartments" on Queensland's Gold Coast. Construction of the 38-apartment first stage of the 82-apartment project will be completed in November.
The converged network model is based on Cisco AVVID (Architecture for Voice, Video and Integrated Data). It will create network management efficiencies by enabling Silver Communities to take advantage of the inherent benefits of operating one, IP-based network as its communications infrastructure.
Silver Communities residents will be able use the network to make phone calls, gain access to high-speed Internet, send e-mail messages, participate in videoconferencing, access entertainment, and tap into a portal specifically created to meet the needs of each community.
"This is a terrific example of a residential development using Cisco voice and data IP network to gain a competitive edge in their industry," said Peter Papaioannou, Cisco Regional Manager, Service Providers, Australia & New Zealand.
Silver Communities will specify the internal installation, provide the required external infrastructure and establish relationships with carriers and content providers. Additionally, through working with community 'users' such as building managers, Body Corporate managers, local retailers, as well as sports and social groups, Silver Communities will establish and maintain a community-focused portal.
Bruce Barclay, Director, Silver Communities, said; "We have brought together some of Australia's best technology integration professionals who are all committed to the delivery of 'real' broadband solutions to our residential communities."
The network based on Cisco AVVID will consist of Cisco Catalyst® 4006 and 3500 Series switches, 7200 Series routers, and 7940 IP phones. IP Systems will provide call management over its Voice Manager platform. Getronics Australia, a global systems integrator, will implement the converged network, while IP Systems will provide the voice over IP call processing and voice and data billing systems. PowerTel will provide a high-speed fibre optic connection to the communications hub of the Central Park Apartments complex.
About Silver Communities
Silver Communities Pty Ltd is a partnership between Bruce Barclay's BRB Management Group, the company behind the development of Queensland's cutting edge residential project Central Park Apartments, and body corporate management specialist Stewart Silver King & Burns. See www.silverconnect.com.au for further information.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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