New College in Durham reports major savings from converged network

New College in Durham has revealed significant cost savings from a wireless and converged IT network implemented in 2005 and upgraded this year.

The network, which converges voice, data and CCTV, was originally installed in 2005 when moved to a new campus and the college installed Wi-Fi across the campus six months ago with networking integrator Telindus completing the work.
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Savings are estimated at £150,000 with less cabling, maintenance and PC management required. CCTV and telephony systems being managed over the IP network saves a further £40,000.

The further and higher education college said the network has helped students by allowing them to record lectures and watch them later, as well as improving security with a more extensive CCTV system.

Alan Race, assistant director in ICT for the college, said staff could access phone messages and e-mails anywhere through the Wi-Fi, and could use the new technology to think of more innovative ways of teaching.

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