The Challenge

In late 2000 Bay of Plenty recognised that an important decision point about their future networking direction had been reached.  They were faced with a Mitel SX2000 PABX that had reached it's maximum capacity and the requirement to invest scarce funding wisely for the future.  There was also a need to expand the network to cater for a new Mental Health unit being built adjacent to the main campus; the ability to easily and cost effectively implement changes in accommodation for the organisation's local and remote offices and the potential need to reinvest in staff and training to support the legacy PABX.  Finally there was a recognition that the voice and data world were rapidly converging so Bay of Plenty wisely undertook a study of the options available.

The options ranged from simply reinvesting in the existing Legacy PABX System and stand-alone data network, to a total replacement of all legacy equipment with a complete Cisco AVVID Voiceover Internet Protocol network.  With IBM help, based on the integrator's extensive experience and knowledge of voice networking in a data environment, the economic, operational and strategic benefits of implementing a hybrid solution were clearly demonstrated. This not only provided immediate relief for their short-term needs but also provided a low-risk, long-term strategic direction for the migration of the underlying infrastructure to all IP.

The Solution

IBM helped Bay of Plenty compare the potential return on investment (ROI) of an IP-Telephony based proposal against the costs of upgrading legacy systems. IBM analysed the running costs of the existing legacy equipment, calculating the financial ramifications of the restrictions it imposed versus the purchase price of the converged equipment and evaluated the associated running costs over a given period. 

IBM's proposed solution was to implement a new Cisco VoIP-based network to operate alongside the Mitel SX2000.  Using a Cisco Call Manager on Bay of Plenty's existing data network (which was upgraded where necessary to support the quality of service necessary to support voice applications), a VG200 Gateway was connected to the Mitel using a primary rate ISDN interface.  IP phones were deployed into departments with low real-time risk impact on the clinical operations of the hospital.  With a successful implementation behind them, a remote WAN site supporting 60 users was later successfully added, operating over a 1Mbps frame relay connection.

The Bottom Line

The Bay of Plenty's decision to adopt IP Telephony was innovative; few other enterprises were adopting multiservice networking technology at the time. The Bay of Plenty was seen to be forward thinking and proactive towards ensuring the future scalability and functionality of their network.

By choosing to adopt IP Telephony, they have avoided the need to plough valuable capital back into a declining technology.  Converging the two separate voice and data networks into one will mean the realisation of the goals of simpler management and lower running costs of a single network. A significant added advantage is the ability to build and utilise tailored XML applications across the network, improving workflow and personal productivity for staff. The new infrastructure also facilitates the connection of small remote sites around the region to the corporate network and server, which were previously stand-alone and not cost effective.

Bay of Plenty now has a flexible integrated data and voice platform on which to grow and evolve their entire network - they can move, add or change entire new departments onto the new network if and when required, quickly and easily.

September 2002

The Client

Pacific Health is the operating arm of the Bay of Plenty District Health Board. It is responsible for improving the health status of their population through funding, producing or ensuring the provision of services in their designated region.  The organisations goal is to lead in the delivery of healthcare through improving, maintaining and restoring heath and independence for the people of the Bay of Plenty.