Relational Technology Services Partners With Avaya to Transform
CSU Into First Wireless Network Campus in the State

(courtesy of CBS Marketwatch)
POSTED: May 5, 2003

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 5, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX -- Relational Technology Services (RTS), the technology division of Relational Funding Corp. (RFC), a leading independent integrated technology supply and finance company, has partnered with Avaya to enable Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC to become one of the largest wireless computer networks in South Carolina and the first in the state offering wireless Internet access to all campus buildings.

Beginning in the spring of 2000, the university began investigating wireless technology to meet the growing needs of its 2,849 students. By the summer of 2001, Avaya, an advanced communications systems company and its Platinum Business partner RTS, worked in tandem to identify, design and install the technology, assisted by CSU's student computer operations coordinator, Tony Boone. By mid-May, the entire campus is scheduled to be wireless.

The partnership initially allowed 600 students in the residence halls, library and mobile classroom to go wireless with their network cards, and enjoy free high-speed access (up to four times faster than dial up) to the Internet for research and downloads. Currently, 11 buildings are wired, as well as two mobile classroom/laptop carts, and plans are underway for all 22 buildings on the campus to have access points by mid-May. The progress has also allowed faculty the ability to log on to the network and even teach wireless.

"We are thrilled with the role both RTS and Avaya played in allowing CSU to have the largest wireless network in the state within a budget of less than $200,000," said John Babcock, director of RTS. "Our partnership with the school and Avaya is a strong example of how a close team effort can result in a successful project."

RTS services available to clients include design, acquisition, financing (through Relational Funding Corp.), installation, integration and technical support. For the CSU project, RTS handled the design and supply side of the process.

"We established a close relationship with RTS and Avaya because of their knowledge, attention to customer service and competitive pricing. As a result, we've installed cutting edge technology at an affordable price, allowing students the convenience and flexibility that benefits their studies and giving faculty an easier way to educate," said Rusty Bruns, chief information officer for CSU.

RTS has many solid relationships with top technology developers, other than Avaya, including IBM, Hewlett Packard, CISCO, Sun Microsystems, Compaq and Dell Computer. Relational Technology Services (RTS) is the technology/engineering arm of Relational Funding Corporation, providing advanced products and services solutions across a broad range of information technology needs, such as IT-based telephony and data networking solutions, e- business, data warehousing, desktop computing, mid-range systems, PC networks, data center consolidation, storage area networks, and telecommunications. Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based Relational Funding Corporation is a leading independent technology supply and finance company, originally founded in 1990. Clients served by the company's 320 financial and technical experts include General Electric, Johnson Controls Inc. and Ford, among many others. Relational Technology Services' corporate headquarters is in Columbus, Ohio. To contact Relational Technology Services, call (866) 999-4RTS (4787) or log on to Relationaltechnology.com for more information.