KUCHING, Malaysia - February 24, 2005 - Curtin Sarawak Malaysia (CSM) has upgraded the network connection to its main campus, Curtin University of Technology, in Perth, Western Australia through Gigabit Ethernet networking equipment from Cisco Systems®. The solution provides CSM with a highly stable, and scalable network with industry-leading security, that helps enable a seamless learning environment between the two campuses.
CSM is the only offshore branch campus of Curtin University of Technology, one of Australia's leading universities focused on information technology. The new network, which increases connectivity speed between the two campuses by ten-fold, was built by Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS), a Cisco®-authorized reseller.
"Curtin University's objective is to provide education services of the highest quality through a network that is easy to manage. Through Cisco's technology solution, the management of our network has been made easier. Deployment of security policies in the network has also been enhanced and time taken to deploy new security policies to client workstations has decreased significantly," said Mr. Philip Musa, IT manager, CSM. "This upgrade to a more advanced infrastructure will allow the entire Curtin community to integrate and interact as a whole regardless of geographical distance or borders."
The Cisco Gigabit Ethernet network has opened the door to a host of new possibilities for CSM. The campus is now gearing towards end-user mobility with wireless local-area network (WLAN) hotspots and remote virtual private network (VPN) access being planned. CSM has also established a satellite link to further increase the download bandwidth for resource sharing by their university research departments and growing student population.
"SAINS is very proud to be able to deliver a solution based on Cisco's industry leading technology to CSM. Our solution on the proven integrity of Cisco products and SAINS' proven track record in the region gave CSM confidence that SAINS was able to deliver a future proof solution of outstanding quality. It was a real collaboration from all parties and we realise that the success of our local education development requires strong partnership between government, commerce, industry, professional organizations, other institutions of learning and the community," said Ms. Lucy Wong, head of Business Development, SAINS.
"CSM is one of the first universities in Sarawak to build such an advanced network. Their foresight and vision for the university is commendable and they are setting an excellent precedence in education excellence by investing in technology through this network solution. CSM's network is an excellent example of how networking technologies are benefiting organizations worldwide. This is truly education without borders," said Kumaran Singaram, managing director of Cisco Systems Malaysia.
About Curtin Sarawak Malaysia
Curtin's reputation for excellence in the South East Asia region provided the basis for the Sarawak State Government's initiative to establish its offshore branch campus in Miri, Sarawak, which commenced operations in February 1999. With the current population of 1500 students and 215 staff from over 30 countries, Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia has stamped its reputation in the world scene as a center of teaching and learning excellence. It places great emphasis on modern technology and facilities to support teaching, learning and research, and offers a rich pool of course choices that provide students with the skills and confidence they need for a successful career in a rapidly changing global environment. Further information on Curtin Sarawak can be obtained at http://www.curtin.edu.my.
About Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS)
Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) was incorporated in 1992 and has strategically developed a presence in Malaysia as a leading ICT Systems Integrator and Solutions Provider. Today, we have grown to be one of the leading systems integrator and solutions provider in Malaysia with services ranging from IT consultancy services, software development, networking, systems engineering, project management, IT training, data conversion services, multimedia content development, facility management and operations support services. Information on SAINS can be found at http://www.sains.com.my.
