Contact Information: Media Relations: William Oei Cisco +65-63175555 loei@cisco.com
UPSI Selects Cisco for Campuswide Network Infrastructure Expansion
High-Speed, Scalable Network for Main Campus in Tanjong Malim Built With Cisco Technologies
| Source: Cisco
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA--(Marketwire - April 23, 2008) - The Universiti Pendidikan Sultan
Idris (UPSI) has completed the upgrade of its network infrastructure at the
university's campus in Tanjong Malim using equipment from Cisco. The
project, worth RM3 million (US$1 million), is being leased through an
innovative financing programme from Cisco Capital(SM), a Cisco subsidiary.
"UPSI understands the importance of connected education. Thus, we
constantly challenge ourselves to deploy the best technology solutions to
drive innovation and strengthen our competitive position in the higher
education marketplace. We chose Cisco because the company is able to
deliver an end-to-end solution, comprising technology, expertise and a
value-driven financing model that meet our needs," said Dato' Dr. Aminah
Binti Ayob, UPSI vice chancellor.
With an increasing number of students, heavier applications traffic and
various campus expansion projects, UPSI realised the need to upgrade its
core network and take advantage of new technologies to create a more
collaborative and productive work and study environment. Cisco worked
closely with systems integrator iTANIA, a local Cisco Registered Partner,
to establish a high-speed and scalable Gigabit Ethernet network that serves
as the backbone to connect the entire campus.
The new network connects 20 buildings for all faculties, enabling access
for more than 15,000 students and 2,000 staff members of the campus. The 2
Gigabit Ethernet network, which is scalable to 8 Gigabit Ethernet, is
powered by the latest network switching technology from Cisco.
"UPSI is regarded as a catalyst of development in education, being one of
the oldest universities in Malaysia. This is a unique opportunity to
showcase Cisco's ability to transform the higher education sector using the
network as a platform. UPSI's initiative to develop a technology-enabled
campus to complement its e-learning faculty is indeed a positive
contribution towards the nation's goal of producing a highly knowledgeable
and world-class workforce," said Kumaran Singaram, managing director, Cisco
Malaysia.
Increasing business value through Cisco Capital
UPSI, through iTANIA, also signed a leasing agreement with Cisco Capital, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco, which provides innovative and flexible
financial programmes to Cisco customers and channel partners. By choosing
to lease the technology rather than purchase it outright, UPSI preserved
capital for additional strategic educational initiatives while minimising
its monthly operational costs.
"Cisco Capital came to UPSI with a strategic investment plan that helps
ensure that we obtain value for money from the network-optimisation
exercise. We analysed our options and decided that the Cisco Capital
proposal represented the best value for us," Aminah said.
"We designed a model on operating expense in line with UPSI's objectives,
namely, to quickly upgrade its network campuswide, keep that network
current over time, and eliminate the need for large upfront capital
outlays," said Fazli Shah Yusof, business manager for Cisco Capital
Malaysia. "Cisco Capital is a key player in financing technology for
higher education institutions worldwide, and we are thrilled to be working
with iTANIA to help one of Malaysia's leading universities remain at the
forefront of connectivity and e-learning."
The university's network is also now Internet Protocol version 6
(IPv6)-enabled to provide a platform to support high-speed access, future
technologies and various competitive applications.
About Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), situated in Tanjong Malim, Perak
was established in 1997. UPSI's vision is to become a unique higher
learning institute with high quality teaching methods to produce an
intellectual breed of graduates.
The university has over 337 students in year one, out of which 2,463 of
them are based at the Tanjong Malim campus. UPSI's website is at
www.upsi.edu.my.
About iTANIA (M) Sdn Bhd
iTANIA (M) Sdn Bhd is a Value Added Distribution & Services company
delivering converged business communications and networks solutions to its
clients. Founded in August 2002, iTANIA delivers its solution and services
to clients in manufacturing, financial services, retail, healthcare,
communications, energy, transportation, FMCGs, education and government.
For more information, visit http://www.myitania.com.
About Cisco Capital
Cisco Systems Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco
Systems, Inc., specializes in financing networks by providing innovative,
flexible financial programs to Cisco customers and channel partners
worldwide. As part of Cisco's total solution, Cisco Capital helps customers
to manage cash flow, grow sales and increase profitability, while offering
attractive, flexible financing solutions that make it possible for
customer. For more information, visit http://www.cisco.com/go/capital.
About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ : CSCO ) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms
how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco
can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to
http://newsroom.cisco.com. Cisco products are supplied in Malaysia by Cisco
Systems International, BV.
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