George Mason University Implements Enterasys Networks Switches for Seamless Multi-Vendor Data Network

ANDOVER, Mass., Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterasys Networks, a Siemens Enterprise Communications Company, today announced George Mason University has implemented Enterasys switches to expand its multi-vendor network environment in order to avoid downtime and interoperability issues and prepare for new network technologies, such as expanded wireless access and VoIP.  

Mason's IT department believes in the value and benefits of a multi-vendor environment – significantly reduced operational costs, no vendor lock-in, and creating a custom-tailored best-of-breed solution.  The Network Engineering and Technology department of the Information Technology Unit (ITU/NET) identified the need, set the parameters, and performed the evaluation to replace legacy switches that were nearing the end of their lifecycle.  In an extensive competitive bidding process, Mason selected Enterasys based upon superior management capabilities with the ability to seamlessly run alongside Cisco in their core and support intelligent edge access to the campus network for both academic and administrative facilities.  

"We conducted an extensive vendor evaluation of the key vendors in the space.  Our goal was to supply Power over Ethernet (PoE) to all university sites in order to prepare for expanded VoIP and wireless network access, while maintaining interoperability with our existing infrastructure and equipment," said Randy Anderson, director of network engineering and technology at George Mason University.  "We wanted the best solution that would enable our IT department to keep up with the expanding size and technological needs of the university.  Affordability was also a key factor in our decision."

George Mason University is the largest state university in Virginia, with three campuses and several satellite locations across Northern Virginia, all supported by the central IT unit.  The university's network supports up to 20,000 unique wireless users and as many as 30,000 devices connected to the network.  The university doesn't restrict the types of devices that students and faculty connect to the network, but makes an effort to ensure they are supported and secured.  

Enterasys C-Series stackable switches and the Network Management Suite (NMS) were implemented to replace the university's legacy equipment.  Mason's networking staff has realized the financial benefits they sought, without experiencing any downtime or interoperability issues.  Members of the IT staff were able to quickly learn the Enterasys command structure for configuration and troubleshooting.  Additionally, NMS Policy Manager will enhance network management, operations, and automation, as well as provide the university with the ability to define role-specific policies and support centralized control and policy distribution.  

"We weren't initially looking for a central manager for the switches, but finding out Enterasys had one and how robust it is was definitely a plus," said Anderson.  "We were looking for great performance at an affordable price and we've achieved that with Enterasys.  The service we've received so far suggests they will be a great business partner."

Resources

• George Mason University case study
• Enterasys Blog: Interoperability in Multi-Vendor Environments
• Enterasys C-Series stackable switches
• Enterasys Network Management Suite
• Enterasys Higher Education solutions

About Enterasys Networks and Siemens Enterprise Communications

Siemens Enterprise Communications is a premier provider of end-to-end enterprise communications, including voice, network infrastructure and security solutions that use open, standards-based unified communications and business applications for a seamless collaboration experience. This award-winning "Open Communications" approach enables organizations to improve productivity and reduce costs through easy-to-deploy solutions that work within existing IT environments, delivering operational efficiencies. It is the foundation for the company's OpenPath® commitment that enables customers to mitigate risk and cost-effectively adopt unified communications. Jointly owned by The Gores Group and Siemens AG, Siemens Enterprise Communications includes Cycos and Enterasys Networks. For more information about Siemens Enterprise Communications or Enterasys please visit www.siemens-enterprise.com or www.enterasys.com.

SOURCE Enterasys Networks