BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Pasadena City College students and faculty will be able to tap the power of converged voice-over- Internet protocol (VoIP) communications and wireless Internet access under a two-year, $6.7 million agreement.
"In providing state-of-the-art educational facilities and technology capacity to meet the needs of today's students, Pasadena City College is proud to collaborate with Verizon Business to greatly expand opportunities for enhanced services and a robust network," said Dr. Paulette J. Perfumo, PCC president. "While this was initially slated as an 18-month project, contractors are ahead of schedule and look to have all installations completed within a year."
Under the contract with the Pasadena Area Community College District, Verizon Business will install and manage a new campuswide network that will support the current and future needs of about 30,000 students and faculty. The pact also includes deployment of a premises-based VoIP platform, as well as on-site technical support, and managed and professional services. Additionally, Verizon Business will provide the student population with Wi-Fi access throughout the campus, which covers 53 acres and 30 buildings. Installation of the new converged IP network is under way.
"The district realizes the vital role that an institution's network infrastructure plays in meeting its mission and goals," said Dr. Robert Cody, assistant dean of computing services. "More than two years were spent studying and reviewing possible vendors for this critical upgrade. Verizon Business was selected because it offered an outstanding combination of price, expertise and a proven ability to work collaboratively."
Verizon Business will help the college migrate from its existing time division multiplex (TDM) network to a next-generation VoIP network. This new converged IP network can handle large amounts of traffic -- voice, data and video -- while eliminating the need for separate voice and data networks. As part of the upgrade of the campus infrastructure, Verizon Business will install advanced switching gear and a unified communications system for voice mail and e-mail on campus.
"This advanced network positions the college for future technology advancements," said Alex Coleman, senior vice president for Verizon Business' government and education organization. "The converged IP network will allow the college to offer students and faculty new services more efficiently, including new distance-learning and other video educational initiatives."
The Pasadena Area Community College District, established in 1966, is located in the West San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County.
Verizon Business is one of the largest providers of advanced data, Internet and voice communications services in the United States and around the world. Verizon Business offers local-to-global-to-local network capabilities coupled with a broad range of telecommunications products and services, including managed network services and systems integration, to all levels of government. Verizon Business' government and education organization offers state and local agencies and institutions of primary and higher education one- stop shopping for their communications or connectivity needs. The company has built the next-generation services that are helping to transform the way state and federal government customers -- and their constituents -- do business.
About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large-business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced communications, security and other professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.
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SOURCE Verizon Business
