The university has deployed a variety of multimedia applications across its gigabit-Ethernet data network for some time. Video conferencing, e-learning applications and collaborative technologies are part of everyday life for students and administrators.

With a growing need for additional multimedia applications and an aging private branch exchange (PBX) system on its voice network, the university decided to switch to an IP-based PBX to enable a converged voice/data network. According to Lawrence Law, director of HKUST's Information Technology Services Center, the decision for a new VoIP communications platform was simple as its traditional PBX was in need of replacing and a converged IP network is inevitable.

Strategic steps

Rather than doing a complete rip-and-replace overhaul of its voice network, HKUST decided to implement VoIP for part of the campus while retaining the old voice system in other parts. This hybrid adoption enabled the university to spread its investment over time while wringing the last functionality out of moribund PBX systems.

Law said the University began considering the project eight months ago. An evaluation of the main IP networking vendors--including Nortel, Cisco, Avaya and others--was conducted. The new system had to be simple to use, meet user requirements in terms of functionality and also be cost-effective. Law also insisted on selecting a vendor with a clear product roadmap and migration strategy. Nortel and systems integrator Jardine OneSolution (JOS) were selected and tasked to begin project planning in April 2005.