Organization Profile: Independent School District

Industry: K-12 Education

Solution:

• Converged voice/video/data network
• Point-to-point wireless connectivity

Results:

• Reduced cabling, telco and maintenance costs
• State-of-the-art video functionality

Thanks to federal E-Rate funding and the expertise of Global Data Systems, an Independent School District (ISD) has been able to take advantage of the latest networking and IP telephony technologies.

The E-Rate program provides schools with funding each year for network infrastructure improvements. Utilizing two years of funding, the ISD called upon GDS to upgrade its cabling and LAN equipment and add a point-to-point wireless solution connecting six campuses.

GDS completed a site survey of the district, and recommended Proxim Tsunami products for the wireless connectivity. The wireless solution will enable the ISD to eliminate its leased T1 lines and the associated monthly charges. Although the district pays a reduced rate for the T1 lines through the E-Rate program, eliminating them will result in significant cost savings.

In addition, GDS upgraded the ISD's older IP telephony system to the Cisco CallManager 3.3 solution, a newer technology that will be easier for the district to manage and maintain. The district has also asked GDS to implement an IP video surveillance system, creating a truly converged network in which voice, video and data are carried over the same cabling. GDS' expertise in converged solutions continues to save the district cabling and management costs while providing state-of-the-art technology.