Boston Public Library selects One Communications for 31 location MPLS network

SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 -- The Boston Public Library (BPL) has selected One Communications' OneSolutions MPLS VPN wide-area networking (WAN) system to connect the BPL central library, its offices, and 26 branch locations. Funded largely through E-Rate -- a government subsidy program intended to help schools and libraries build and sustain modern networks and telecommunications services -- the new data system will help BPL continue to advance learning while more efficiently meeting the evolving needs of Boston and the surrounding communities.

"The Internet and emerging technologies have had a substantial impact on libraries," says Mary Bender, communications manager at BPL. "Content has been digitized and is available in a wider range of formats including video, and resources such as rare books, photos, and research documents now have broader accessibility within the community and around the world."

"Recent economic conditions have resurfaced the value of the public library to the community through public access computers, mobile Wi-Fi access, and free job search resources and tools," adds Henry Bernasconi, acting chief technology officer for the BPL. "The new MPLS VPN network will enable us to provide better, higher-speed access to the public to meet these needs."

Boston Public Library's OneSolutions MPLS VPN network will replace its former T1-speed ATM network to provide higher-bandwidth 5-Mbps connections between each branch and the central library. Branch locations will access BPL's Integrated Library System, which manages library cards and the borrowing, reserving, and return of books from and to the library, over the MPLS VPN network. The library’s facilities and systems help desk applications, online subscription databases, as well as other library applications, will also be centrally managed and accessed over the network.

"One Communications was selected for this critical network due to their competitive pricing and ability to meet our data networking needs," says Bernasconi. "Our history with their ATM network has been seamless -- they've proven they are committed to providing exceptional service and are highly responsive when questions or issues arise."

"We are excited to partner with the Boston Public Library to help them advance learning within the local community," says Steve Signoff, chief sales and marketing officer at One Communications. "Our MPLS VPN solution provides BPL with an efficient, futureproof platform that can scale and evolve to meet the changing needs of their organization and its patrons."

The OneSolutions MPLS VPN offers a secure and flexible network-based WAN that supports multiple service types and any-to-any networking for companies needing to connect multiple locations. It enables converged voice and data while providing real-time prioritization for applications such as voice and video to ensure service quality. It also delivers secure Internet and remote access capabilities. The system is widely available across One Communications' regional service market, which includes 18 states from Maine to Wisconsin to West Virginia, plus the District of Columbia.


Visit One Communications