SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- North Arundel Hospital, a part of the University of Maryland Medical System, has chosen Unified Access (UA) from Extreme Networks, Inc. to integrate wireless LAN technology with its wired network. With UA and its existing core Ethernet network, North Arundel Hospital realizes improved operational efficiencies from an integrated solution while bettering the patient experience.
North Arundel is a true community hospital, serving residents of Anne Arundel County from its central location in Glen Burnie, MD. The hospital implemented a substantial network upgrade beginning in 2000, replacing legacy technology with Extreme Networks' high performance Gigabit Ethernet switching solutions. This has resulted in a scalable and intelligent Layer 2/3 network requiring measurably less hours to maintain compared to the previous infrastructure. To further the advantages the hospital gained from its original investment, North Arundel recently incorporated Extreme's UA with integrated wireless Ethernet connectivity delivered by the Summit(R) 300 switch and Altitude(TM) Access Points that are used in its Operating Room (OR).
The secure wired and wireless LAN now enables the hospital to take equipment where it is needed and to maintain consistent connections to the network. Prior to this, the OR featured fixed workstations, requiring that staff have their back turned to the patient while accessing information. Now, North Arundel has computers on wheels (COWs) that are integrated with Extreme Networks' wireless solution. This allows intra-operative documentation and administrative functions, such as materials management, to be managed by the staff while they face the patient, improving the quality of care. Extreme's UA solution will ultimately expand to six floors in the hospital and seven floors in the new patient tower.
Extreme Networks' EPICenter(TM) software suite ensures end-to-end network management providing control for network nodes, user ports and for the examination of IP traffic flows. This complete view, from the core to edge of the network, significantly reduces time and administration costs.
"Extreme has fittingly named it the Unified Access solution, and that's exactly what it is -- unified," said Tim Murdock, senior network administrator. "We have one point of view into the network whether the switch is wired or wireless, and this makes a big difference in the way we work."
Versatility is the essential UA ingredient. A comprehensive set of authentication and mobility features supports everything from mobile users to guests to simple devices, while encryption options deliver high-performance support for legacy and leading-edge applications. Furthermore, built-in rogue access point and intrusion detection capacities address critical enterprise concerns regarding network integrity. Extreme's extensive core-to-edge QoS support delivers superior voice over IP capabilities for wired and wireless handsets.
"In addition to technology, support that accompanies a solid network platform is one of the biggest issues an IT manager must consider," said Joseph Breslin, senior manager of network services and technical support at North Arundel Hospital. "Extreme Networks has come through by delivering the expertise and solution as promised. This is especially valuable in an environment where the network is highly critical for patient care. Extreme's team has really been second to none."
Extreme Networks, Inc.
Extreme Networks delivers the most effective applications and services infrastructure by creating networks that are faster, simpler and more cost-effective. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., Extreme Networks markets its network switching solutions in more than 50 countries. For more information, visit http://www.extremenetworks.com/.
NOTE: Extreme Networks and Summit are registered trademarks and Altitude and EPICenter are trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements about achieving our strategic goals, the installation of certain network products and other statements that include, "expect," "anticipate" or words of similar intent. More information about potential factors that could affect our business and financial results is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2002, including, without limitation, under the captions: "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and "Risk Factors," which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov/ ).
Extreme Networks, Inc.CONTACT: Greg Cross of Extreme Networks Public Relations,+1-408-579-3483, or gcross@extremenetworks.com
Web site: http://www.extremenetworks.com/
