University of Toronto Selects Enterasys Networks and Compugen Services Limited to Provide Wireless Technology for Mobile Campus Connectivity
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TORONTO, ON & ROCHESTER, NH -- December 10, 2001--Enterasys Networks Inc. (NYSE: ETS), a leader in enterprise networking solutions, announced that the University of Toronto, the largest university in Canada with more than 52,000 students, has chosen Enterasys' RoamAboutTM wireless access platform to provide high-performance, secure mobile network connectivity. Seeking to increase accessibility to the Internet and campus resources for university students, faculty and staff, the University embarked on the Campus Wireless Network project and evaluated wireless technologies from a variety of vendors. Working with partner Compugen Services Limited, one of the nation's largest privately owned and operated PC-based systems integrators and service providers, the University selected Enterasys' RoamAbout solution which offers a combination of technology and local support that best serves the University's specific requirements.
"As the largest university in Canada, it is essential that we ensure our students and faculty are equipped with access to the Internet and University resources whenever they need it," said Norman Housley, manager NDIS for the University of Toronto. "As our campus grows, computer labs become more overcrowded. Likewise, with an increasing number of students bringing laptops to school, the use of the labs is also somewhat bothersome and inconvenient. With wireless technology, we can offer connectivity in a much more simplified, convenient and cost-effective manner to better serve our users."
In addition to reducing lines at campus computing labs and providing more convenient access, the University is also employing RoamAbout's advanced security features to protect the wireless infrastructure.
"It is very important that we protect our network with the best security measures available. Utilizing RoamAbout's authentication features, we are able secure the network from unauthorized devices," continued Housley. "In addition, we have implemented 128-bit data encryption to provide the highest level of security."
Students, faculty and staff can purchase wireless PC cards at the University's Computer Shop on the St. George Campus and the bookstores on suburban campuses. In addition, the cards can be purchased online via Compugen's web portal – eMerge Enterprise.
The wireless implementation is following a phased approach, with phase one encompassing approximately 100 Access Points covering the University's Toronto, Mississauga and Scarborough campuses when finished. Starting with the Architecture building, wireless connectivity has expanded to include Rotman School, New College's Wilson Hall, Sandford-Fleming Library and the Law library. In addition, approximately three other sites on the main campus will soon enjoy wireless access, as will University campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough. Additional Access Points will be implemented according to user demand for wireless connectivity.
"Essentially, we are letting the characteristics of a particular space determine the necessity for wireless connectivity," said Housley. "For example, the characteristics of a dining hall, lounge or common area are better managed in a wireless environment that dynamically adjusts the capacity on the Access Point as people move in and out. Furthermore, wireless technology enables us to provide connectivity to areas that would normally be very difficult and expensive to wire due to the structural environment."
"Wireless connectivity has the power to literally change the way organizations in both the private and public sector interact with each other, partners and customers," says Harry Zarek, president of Compugen. "Compugen has enjoyed a strong relationship with the University of Toronto and the choice of Enterasys' RoamAboutTM wireless access platform continues their commitment of using best-of-breed technology to enhance students' educational experience."
"The University of Toronto is one of the top-ranking research universities in North America. In such an environment, where access to information is critical, the network must be available whenever, wherever it's needed," said Jim Sims, senior vice president, Americas sales for Enterasys Networks. "Enterasys' RoamAbout technology allows the University to expand the availability of its network and provide secure, dynamic access for its students and faculty, thereby fostering a more flexible and collaborative campus network environment."
To learn more about the University of Toronto's multi campus wireless initiative, please see www.wireless.utoronto.ca.
To learn more about Compugen's web portal - eMerge Enterprise, please see www.compugen.com.
To learn more about the RoamAbout wireless access platform, please visit Enterasys Networks at www.enterasys.com/wireless.
About Enterasys Networks
Enterasys Networks is the Secure Networks Company, providing enterprise customers with innovative network infrastructure products, services and solutions that deliver the security, productivity and adaptability benefits required by Global 2000 organizations. For more information on Enterasys Secure Networks and the company's products, including multilayer switches, core routers, WAN routers, wireless LANs, network management, and intrusion defense systems, visit enterasys.com.
About The University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada's largest and most distinguished university. Its teaching programs are offered in 17 academic divisions, which enroll 52,000 students and employ more than 5,000 faculty. The university's students are drawn from countries throughout the world. Its programs are offered on its historic St. George campus in downtown Toronto, on its Mississauga and Scarborough campuses and in eight fully and 12 partially affiliated teaching hospitals in Toronto. As Canada's leading research university, U of T attracts more faculty awards and external research funding than any other Canadian university. The university receives almost $300 million annually in research funding through grants and contracts. U of T attracts almost $1 billion annually to the Greater Toronto Area and its research has fostered 115 commercial companies. Internationally, the university maintains teaching and research relationships with more than 125 universities around the world. U of T discoveries include insulin, the infant food Pablum and the genes responsible for cystic fibrosis and early onset Alzheimer's disease. A major research university, U of T also offers the intimate scale of small college life. The university is composed of 10 colleges, each with a distinctive feel and sense of community. There are more than 150 student clubs and organizations on campus, and innumerable activities ranging from the cultural events at historic Hart House to participation in any of 70 intercollegiate and intramural sports teams. There are more than 330,000 living alumni spanning virtually every continent of the globe and every field of endeavour. Noted alumni include author Margaret Atwood, film director Norman Jewison, communications magnate Ted Rogers and astronaut Julie Payette.
About Compugen Services Limited
Compugen Services Limited is a highly entrepreneurial and dynamic FP 500 company whose philosophy is to facilitate its customer's needs by acquiring, managing, and leveraging technology solutions. Compugen is one of the nation's largest privately owned and operated PC-based systems integrators and IT service providers with revenues projected to exceed $250 million in 2001. The company's mission is to manage rapidly changing information technologies that drive and support sustainable business results. For further information, visit www.compugen.com.