Avaya, Extreme Networks, Juniper Networks and S1 IT Solutions Team to Support Special Olympics Winter Games with IP Telephony Network

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – When athletes and their families arrive at the 2008 Special Olympics Invitational World Winter Games in Idaho later this week, a sophisticated IP Telephony network from Avaya, Extreme Networks (Nasdaq: EXTR), and Juniper Networks will be operating behind the scenes to keep the activities running smoothly. For both the athletes and the technology, it’s a major trial run before next year’s 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Avaya BusinessPartner, S1 IT Solutions Inc., implemented the solution for the Special Olympics. Avaya is a leading global provider of business communications applications, systems and software.

The Special Olympics 2009 World Winter Games covers more than 28 venues throughout Idaho, including Bogus Basin, Boise State University, Taco Bell Arena, Idaho Ice World, Sun Valley Resort and Tamarack Resort. More than 3000 athletes and 6,000 volunteers are expected to participate and support the events.

“This is the first time a voice over IP System has ever been used in a Special Olympics World Games,” said Josh Crosby, 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Chief Technology Officer. “What would normally be a four-year infrastructure implementation has been compressed into a two-year deliverable - a time frame companies like Avaya are familiar with, having provided service for other short-term, highly complex sporting events. The incredible support all four of these companies have shown the Games has allowed us to be operational from day one. We are extremely grateful for Avaya, Extreme Networks, Juniper Networks and S1 IT Solutions’ support and generosity.”

One powerful network running Avaya Communication Manager IP Telephony software from the event headquarters in Boise extends to gateways and/or Avaya IP phones in the 28 venues. The high availability network from Extreme Networks features Gigabit performance with superior quality of service for voice traffic and secure wired and wireless access.

Since efficient, mobile communications are critical, Avaya Extension to Cellular enables cell phones to behave as another endpoint on the event network. Callers simply dial a single number assigned to a staff member on the Communication Manager network to instantly reach him or her on a cell phone in any location. The software also provides built-in, Meet-me audio conferencing, which helps eliminate or reduce the cost of using hosted or separate systems, and accessibility features.

The communications and data networking products, solutions and implementation services for Special Olympics Winter Games were donated by Avaya, Extreme Networks, Juniper Networks and S1 IT Solutions Inc.

Avaya and its technology alliance and channel partners are no strangers to providing converged voice and data solutions for highly-complex, short-term events. Avaya supported the FiFA World Cup Soccer events in Japan and Korea in 2002, and in Germany in 2006, plus the FiFA Women’s World Cup in the U.S in 2003. The company has also provided solutions for NBC Olympics since 1999.