January 26, 2009 -- 3Com announced that it has extended its relationship with the Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA) in Queensland, Australia, for five years, plus an option for three one-year extensions. The multi-million dollar contract, which is the largest deal on record for 3Com in Asia Pacific outside of China, is to provide the network infrastructure to support DETA's ongoing initiative to modernize its educational environment.
3Com will supply all of the current and future technology innovations in its portfolio, including many advanced solutions, such as its enterprise-grade multi-service routers (MSR), unified communications platform, and IP video solutions. As the project unfolds, students and teachers in Queensland, a state that makes up almost a quarter of Australia's land area, will benefit from unified communications, multimedia learning, and high-speed wireless access from anywhere on campus, according to the company.
"DETA conducted a thorough technical evaluation of potential networking vendors and selected 3Com based on our technological sophistication, reliability and the value of our solutions, and its experience with the world-class service and support we've provided them for the past decade," comments Peter Chai, vice president and general manager for 3Com Asia Pacific. "3Com has a sterling track record of education technology deployments in Asia Pacific, and we are pleased to be able to continue working with DETA to improve education delivery across Queensland."
The converged network platform 3Com will provide DETA includes the 3Com: MSR multi-service routers, leveraging the company's Open Services Networking (OSN) architecture to embed its Expand WAN optimization module in the router; Switch S7900Es, modular core switches that provide the high availability in the core of the network; Switch 5500s, stackable switches that ensure flexibility, space saving and maximum connectivity at the network edge; VCX Connect, an SIP-based VoIP platform that combines standard PBX features and advanced multimedia communications applications; and wireless switch controllers and 802.11n access points.
All enterprise equipment provided to DETA is developed by 3Com's research and development team in China, which is staffed by more than 2,500 engineers. 3Com networking products are based on advanced silicon manufacturing processes that the company claims are up to 60 percent more power-efficient than previous-generation devices. This will help DETA achieve savings on operational energy costs.
DETA's network converged network platform will be supported by 3Com's enterprise network, wireless and security management software, as well as professional and maintenance services. 3Com will work with local partners to roll out these solutions over the duration of the new contract.
Adds Chai, "We hope our closer relationship with DETA will let us better support the Australian government's directive to transform the classroom, enabling not just students but their prospective employers and the country to benefit from the power of information technology."
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