HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, May 24, 2006 - Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) today announced that it is using technology from Cisco Systems and services from Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co. to unify voice, video, data and wireless communications into a single, airport-wide Cisco Unified Communications system. It is the first deployment of its kind in Atlantic Canada.
HIAA has integrated Internet Protocol (IP)-based capabilities with the Cisco Intelligent Airport Solution infrastructure, allowing the airport to offer a multitude of network-enabled innovations. The airport now has common-use terminal equipment, self-service check-in kiosks, a world-class integrated security system, as well as 275 Cisco IP phones.
Close collaboration between Cisco Systems and its alliance partner, HP Canada, resulted in a seamless migration to an advanced network that integrates voice, video, data and wireless communications into a single, airport-wide communications system.
The new HIAA system has been created to support a $90 million expansion project, driven by steady growth, increased customer demand and the addition of a new US Preclearance facility. This massive undertaking combines six initiatives into one blueprint, allowing the airport to effectively expand public areas by 40 per cent.
"Technology has been at the heart of our development strategy," says Eleanor Humphries, president and chief executive officer HIAA. "We made the strategic decision to invest in advanced network technology to provide facility flexibility and greatly enhance the traveler experience."
The expansion encouraged the airport to thoroughly examine its entire operation, from both a structural and a technological point of view. The analysis revealed the opportunity to take advantage of the expansion project to upgrade the airports IT infrastructure.
"With the expansion, we knew we would need to add network systems, building management, phone and security systems," said Michael Healy, P. Eng, vice president, infrastructure and technology for HIAA. "We found ourselves in a position where many of our systems needed work, giving us the opportunity to expand our technology in order to increase the effectiveness of the new facility - it was a win-win situation."
"Halifax International Airport is a world leader in customer service excellence," said Terry Walsh, president of Cisco Systems Canada. "By taking advantage of the power of IP, HIAA is not only expanding services, increasing productivity and streamlining costs, it has become a showcase for Atlantic Canada innovation."
"The travel industry is facing considerable change and renewed growth. Pioneering airports like Halifax understand the need to adopt emerging technologies to improve the efficiency of their operations, the productivity of employees and the quality of customer service," said Reg Schade, vice president and general manager, HP Services, Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co. "HP is pleased to have been selected to provide network integration services for this innovative IP solution. With an adaptive IT infrastructure delivering new capabilities, both travelers and businesses can count on an airport experience that is positive, convenient and functional."
"Today we have a network that can accommodate growth and allow us to continue to innovate the way we deliver customer service," Healy adds. "With our new U.S. Preclearance gateway we anticipate significant passenger growth in the coming years. Thanks to our expanded network and facilities, we are ready to welcome the world to Halifax."
About Cisco Unified Communications
The Cisco Unified Communications portfolio is an integral part of the Cisco Business Communications Solution - an integrated solution for organizations of all sizes that also includes network infrastructure, security, network management products, wireless connectivity and a lifecycle services approach, along with flexible deployment and management options, financing packages and third-party communications applications.
About HIAA
Halifax International Airport is Atlantic Canada's principal full-service airport providing passengers and cargo clients with access to markets across the country, the United States and Europe. The Airport welcomes more than three million passengers each year, and is an internationally recognized leader in customer service, having received three first place awards in the AETRA Airport Customer Satisfaction Survey two years in a row.
About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home computing, and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2006, HP revenue totaled $88.9 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing Canadian news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/global/canada/index.html.
Cisco, Cisco Systems, and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. This document is Cisco Public Information.
