Case Study: University of Birmingham
"The University of Birmingham is one of the largest in the UK and ISG technology needed to complete a substantial project against a maximum three month timeframe. I am immensely pleased with our dedicated engineers, who worked round the clock to achieve our objectives. We look forward to assisting the University with future projects over the coming years." Mike Morrison, CEO, ISG technology	The University of Birmingham has over 20,000 students, with approximately 6,000 of its enrolees living in halls of residence during term time. Once vacated these campus buildings are also used to host delegates attending external conferences and events in the Birmingham area. As part of an initiative to improve facilities  for   its  live - in    student population  and   visiting  conference   delegates, the  University  decided  to upgrade  its   voice	and data network and increase the number of telephone handsets throughout the entire campus.
The Challenge
With just 12 weeks in which to install 6,500 telephone terminals, the roll-out required detailed planning and skilled project management. Time constraints were further exaggerated by a clash with the World Disability Games that were being held in the city. As  all of  the participating  athletes  were	staying at the University, it was critical for the deployment to be completed quickly with minimal disruption to guests attending The Games, as well as several other events being held during the summer break. It was also necessary to consider the particular  construction  challenges    that	can occur working around the traditional build characteristics of some of the UK’s leading universities - including Birmingham which was founded in 1900. To overcome any issues of this ilk, the client needed a supplier with experience of deployment in specialist buildings.
Solutions Delivered
ISG technology supplied all structured cabling for the installation and worked alongside the appointed Ericsson team to oversee the deployment of telephone terminals in each of the 6,200 bedrooms, plus 300 administration outlets. As well as increasing and improving its telecommunications infrastructure, the University also required the installation of television and data cabling, linking all of the campus buildings within a five mile radius throughout the city.	The deployment was successfully completed within the specified 12 week window and crucially without significant impact on the University’s secondary income activities. To address all of the challenges presented by the project, ISG technology drew on its vast experience of working with other universities, including Salford, Central Lancashire and Stirling. As   well  as     an    awareness    of   the	technological considerations, ISG technology’s expertise in older buildings of historical importance also benefited from the installation. In choosing a technology provider with proven experience in the education sector, The University of Birmingham was extremely satisfied with the management of the project, as well as the end result, and commended ISG technology on the expert capabilities of its staff.
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