Connections that mean business

It’s easy to see why unified communications has become a hot topic across the technology community. By integrating diverse data, voice and video systems and applications over converged IP networks, UC enables individuals and groups to connect and collaborate regardless of medium, platform, location or device.

But the benefits of UC reach far beyond improving linkages among cell phones, handhelds and laptops. At the enterprise level in particular, its real value lies in its abundant potential to increase employee productivity and improve business outcomes by:

Today, more and more enterprises are discovering the bottom-line benefits UC can bring. They are viewing UC as a powerful, cost-efficient solution for mission-critical communications and collaboration. And they are undertaking UC initiatives shaped by top-of-mind business priorities.

A unified communications initiative is playing a central role in helping one of Canada’s largest airports realize key bottom-line benefits.

To accommodate growth and enhance capacity utilization, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is implementing an innovative operating model that enables multiple airlines to share the same terminal space and equipment. Traditionally, airports allot each airline specific gates and service desks within a terminal. When an airline isn’t using its assigned facilities and equipment, they sit idle. HIAA wanted to maximize space by being able to flexibly assign airlines to available gates.

HP partnered with Cisco to help HIAA achieve this goal by integrating voice, video, data and diverse mission-critical applications in a single airport-wide UC system. The solution incorporates wireless and IP telephony, HP servers and Cisco networking equipment.

Today, each airline has its own network that can be accessed at multiple gates and service desks. Employees use touch-screen monitors to securely access their company’s data. VOIP phones at the gates and desks are customized for each airline. Once an employee logs in, his or her airline’s data, applications and policies are automatically available regardless of the device being used or the location within the terminal.

HIAA expects full ROI on its unified communications investment in just over two years, and some $15 million in savings due to improved space utilization. Equally important, the airport now has a UC infrastructure that can readily accommodate business and technology change.

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