U of S and IBM to Collaborate on Campus Computer Network

Posted December 20, 2002


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 20, 2002 2002-12-10-OTHER

U of S and IBM to Collaborate on Campus Computer Network

The University of Saskatchewan has reached an agreement with IBM Canada Ltd.
for IBM's Integrated Technology Services to provide technology
infrastructure and expertise, including Cisco hardware and maintenance
services, for a multi-million-dollar upgrade of the campus computer network.

IBM was selected from among five companies for the USR-net (U of S Research
Network) project that will provide a tremendous boost to research on campus
and benefit teaching, learning and business services as well.

"This agreement provides an excellent opportunity for the U of S to work
with an international leader in the technology sector and we look forward to
exploring future collaborative possibilities in a wide variety of areas,"
said Rick Bunt, U of S Associate Vice-President of Information and
Communications Technology.

"IBM is a leading network integrator in Canada," said Ross Geiger, IBM
Canada's marketing and sales executive for Integrated Technology Services.
"We look forward to delivering the best solution and value in working with
the University of Saskatchewan on this strategic computer network upgrade."

The USR-net project will benefit every user of the campus network - faculty
member, staff member, or student - by improving the capacity, performance,
availability, security and reliability of the network, and by improving
connectivity to other universities and research organizations both in Canada
and abroad.

The project was awarded a $4.8M grant in January of 2002 by the Canada
Foundation for Innovation. Other funding is currently being finalized.


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For more information, contact:

Rick Bunt
Associate Vice-President of Information and Communications Technology
Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-8408

Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-2506