Logicalis

Customer

The German Institute for Adult Education – Leibniz Centre for Lifelong Learning (DIE), based in Bonn, is the central institute carrying out both theoretical and practical research into further education in Germany. With around 100 employees, it combines science and practice, which it supports with data and information, and carries out its own research and development work. http://www.die-bonn.de/

Background

The move to a new and completely refurbished location, together with outdated communications technology that did not match the customers’ need, meant the institute needed new equipment and an entirely new communications infrastructure.

Challenge

In order to guarantee a smooth and fast relocation for the institute, the new communications technology had to be ready for use on the planned moving-in date. Despite the relatively small time frame of just two months, Logicalis GmbH was able to complete the migration to the new infrastructure on time after taking over responsibility for the overall project management and the associated design activities. 

Solution

Logicalis implemented a completely new communications infrastructure, in which mainly Cisco technologies were used. For structural reasons the solution was based on a so-called FTTO infrastructure (Fibre To The Office). Cisco’s Catalyst 6500 was chosen as the core switch as it provides the required port density. ISABEL switches from DAFÜR were used in the offices since they include the PoE function (Power over Ethernet) for supplying the end devices with power. All VoIP components – such as the phone system, the gateway to the exchange, end devices and adapters for fax machines – were taken from Cisco’s portfolio of products. Responding to the customer’s requirements, Logicalis also implemented a UMS system from German manufacturer CASERIS, which provides both voicemail and fax server functionality. The company also installed AlwinPro, the controlling software from aurenz, which can record connection costs over long periods and allocate them to specific projects. The problem of ever-increasing amounts of spam was resolved using the eSafe product from SafeNet.

Benefits 

The DIE now has a scalable and very stable communications infrastructure that is easy to administer and which can be operated reliably by a small IT team (two people for 100 users). As a result, the costs of service and administration can be planned reliably over the long term.