Data#3 wins multimillion-dollar Cisco deal with university

Data#3 has won a "multimillion-dollar" deal to upgrade the communications systems at Perth's Edith Cowan University.

"The replacement of the existing network with next-generation infrastructure will enable the provision of advanced services such as rich multimedia learning experiences to students, faculty and staff across ECU campuses, and is a key strategic pillar of the future learning environment at ECU," said the university's chief information officer Elizabeth Wilson.

Data#3 announced that it was chosen from a panel of Cisco gold partners to deploy a "highly available, scalable and future proof communications platform" then deliver ongoing managed services for the system.

The implementation is currently "progressing to schedule" and is expected to finish in early 2016. A five-year managed services agreement – three years initially with an option for a further two – will then kick in.

"The success at ECU is a testament to our ongoing investment in the education sector and our reputation in the market for delivering successful outcomes through education specific services," said Data#3 chief executive Laurence Baynham.

The project will cover academics, staff and students situated in three campuses and involve both fixed and wireless Cisco technology.

Edith Cowan University was founded in 1991 and is named after the first woman to be elected to any Australian parliament.