Chicago, Illinois - April 17, 2002 - Classic Residence by Hyatt, an award-winning leader in the senior living industry and an affiliate of Hyatt Corp., has selected the Nokia (NYSE:NOK) virtual private network (VPN) and IP Security Platform as its security infrastructure of choice. The combination of advanced features and ease of use, found only in the Nokia IP Security Platform, delivers numerous benefits to Classic Residence by Hyatt, including a clear competitive advantage with faster implementation of new services, a centrally managed network security infrastructure and low total cost of ownership.
Operating luxury senior living properties in 15 American cities, Classic Residence's commitment to excellence led the company to reevaluate its IT infrastructure and security policies when Chief Information Officer (CIO) Bill Sciortino joined the company in late 2001.
According to Sciortino, "Many of the systems were standalone, and the network was inefficient and costly. The biggest concerns were the lack of centralized systems and network management capabilities that we felt were essential because we lacked technical expertise at each of our communities."
To help identify the optimal solution and streamline network management, Classic Residence retained the expertise of systems integrator Project Leadership Associates (PLA). PLA advised Classic Residence to implement the Nokia VPN and IP Security Platform because of its success in overcoming the vulnerabilities of general-purpose, server-based solutions while supporting industry-leading security applications. The purpose-built design also makes the Nokia platform easier to install and more dependable to operate, while the implementation across a family of appliances makes the offering more scalable, affordable, and manageable.
"Once we understood the short and long-term requirements, we knew the obvious network solution would be Nokia IP security appliances running market-leading Check Point VPN-1®/FireWall-1® software," said Doug Klatt, PLA's Design Engineer on the project. "The Nokia approach offered Classic Residence everything it needs: a state-of-the-art next-generation solution on an inherently secure, purpose-built platform that delivers superior flexibility, reliability, scalability, and manageability of the network and security policies."
As security appliances that come pre-installed with software, Nokia deployment is fast and friendly. Once installed, all systems deployed nationwide can be centrally configured and managed from one location. Today, Classic Residence is able to resolve 95 percent of all network problems from the company's Chicago headquarters. The combination of these and other advanced features yields a low total cost of ownership that preserves the cost-saving advantages promised by VPNs. Scalability across a wide spectrum of models permits Classic Residence to achieve optimal levels of price performance at the communities and at the Chicago corporate office.
"Centralized management of the enterprise-wide VPN was an absolute must," according to Sciortino. "The last thing we wanted to do was burden our individual communities with network and system administration tasks. The staff at each community has more important things to do-providing services for our residents."
"Classic Residence by Hyatt exemplifies the ongoing need to build networks from the ground up with security in mind," said Dan MacDonald, vice president of Nokia Internet Communications. "Through PLA, we were able to demonstrate to Classic Residence the power, effectiveness, and cost savings of the Nokia VPN and IP Security Platform. We are excited to be working with Classic Residence and look forward to continuing our work with the company to ensure the highest efficiency and security of its Internet operations."
About Classic Residence by Hyatt
Classic Residence by Hyatt is an award-winning, nationally recognized leader in senior living that currently owns, manages, and markets upscale senior living communities in Yonkers, N.Y.; Teaneck, N.J.; Chevy Chase, Md.; Hilton Head, S.C.; Lantana, Fla.; Boca Raton, Fla.; Pompano Beach, Fla.; Plantation, Fla.; Hollywood, Fla.; Naples, Fla.; Dallas, Texas; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Reno, Nev.; La Jolla, Calif.; and Monterey, Calif. Classic Residence by Hyatt communities are under development in Palo Alto, Calif.; Aventura, Fla.; and Glenview, Ill. Classic Residence communities have earned honors for being among the nation's finest, including the Gold Nugget Grand Award in the category of "Best Seniors' Project-Active Adult," the Award of Excellence from the Association of Retirement Resorts International, and the Gold Seal Award for Best of Design from the National Association of Home Builders. The toll-free corporate number is 1-800-421-1442, and the company's award-winning Web site is at www.hyattclassic.com/.
About Project Leadership Associates
Project Leadership Associates is a leading provider of information technology consulting and solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. Through the efforts of its talented IT consultants, Project Leadership Associates works with clients to plan, develop, manage, and implement practical, cost-effective information technology strategies, including Network Integration, Application Development, Network Security, Consulting, IT Management Outsourcing, Business and Technology Consulting, Level One and Two Support.
About Nokia Internet Communications
Nokia Internet Communications, headquartered in Mountain View, California, provides world-class Network Security, Virtual Private Network and Internet Traffic and Content Management solutions that ensure the security and reliability of corporate enterprise and managed service provider networks. Nokia is committed to enhancing the end user experience by bringing a new level of security and reliability to the network, enabling an Internet transaction that is personal and trusted -- each and every time. For more information, please visit www.nokia.com/ and click on Secure Network Solutions.
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet, Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
For More Information: (Media and Industry Analysts Only Please)
Nokia Internet Communications:
Americas (California based)
Amy Grenier, Interactive Public Relations for Nokia Internet Communications
Tel. + 1 415 391 1106 x227 or amy@ipri.com
EMEA (UK based)
Claire Backhurst
Tel. +44 7788 145460 or claire.backhurst@nokia.com
APAC (Singapore based)
Bonnie Datta
Tel. +6597389743 or bonnie.datta@nokia.com
www.nokia.com