ARMONK, N.Y. and SAN JOSE, Calif., - Jun 11, 2003 - Bath Central School District is taking advantage of next-generation network technology from Cisco Systems, Inc. and IBM Global Services to deliver advanced voice and data services over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. As part of a large facilities expansion and renovation, Bath Central Schools has replaced its traditional PBX system with a converged IP Communications and wireless network designed to improve operational efficiencies and enable new educational capabilities.

Bath Central School District in Steuben County New York comprises 150 teachers, four schools and 2100 students in grades K-12. The district relied on IBM Global Services to build a single, end-to-end IP network made up of Cisco Catalyst® 6500 and Catalyst 3500 series Ethernet switches, one Cisco 3660 router, Cisco IP phones, Cisco CallManager call processing software, Cisco Unity™ unified messaging software, Cisco Aironet® Series of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b) Wireless Access Points, CiscoWorks network management solution, and a Cisco IP/TV® solution. As a result of their strategic alliance relationship, Cisco and IBM provide Bath Schools with a single point of contact, proven technology solutions, and world-class integration services.

Bath Schools is using its new network infrastructure to drive productivity and enable an enhanced learning environment for the district. With a small information technology support staff, the district placed a priority on using easy-to-manage technology to improve operational efficiency. The combination of converged video/data/voice services on one network provides simplified management and flexibility, and can help lower the total cost of ownership.

"The implementation of IP telephony and Cisco Unity unified messaging has greatly enhanced the communication within our district as well as with parents, community members, and outside agencies," said Chris Smith, director of educational technology & communication services, at Bath Central School District. "The new network provides operational efficiencies and savings through the management of one network and a more dynamically administered voice system."

In addition to installing a 2200-node Ethernet network, IBM Global Services has also implemented an IEEE 802.11b wireless layer throughout the district. The wireless component has added significant flexibility to the network. The district presently utilizes four wireless laptop labs and has approximately 60 teachers using wireless laptops.

"We receive regular feedback from the teachers utilizing the wireless laptops that the flexibility of the technology is incredible," said Smith. "Students and staff are no longer bound to desks or labs to utilize technology, which allows teachers more control and flexibility within the learning environment."

Bath Schools is also realizing cost savings benefits from the network. For example, moves, adds, and changes are now easier to implement as voice, video, and data are carried over one wire instead of three. In addition, the converged network allowed Bath Schools to significantly reduce the cable plant by eliminating the cables and wires originally planned for separate video and voice networks.IBM and Cisco have a global strategic alliance, which offers customers like the Bath Central School District industry-leading, seamlessly integrated e-business solutions. The two companies draw on their strengths in Internet infrastructure, e-business systems and services.

IBM Global Services

IBM Global Services is the world's largest information technology services and consulting provider, generating over $36 billion in 2002. Approximately 180,000 professionals serve customers in over 160 countries, providing the entire spectrum of customers' e-business needs -- from the business transformation and industry expertise of IBM Business Consulting Services to hosting, infrastructure, technology design and training services. IBM Global Services delivers integrated, flexible and resilient processes -- across companies and through business partners -- that enable customers to maximize the opportunities of an on-demand business environment.