University Optimizes Communications Environment, Saves $2 Million Annually

Mexico's Instituto Politecnico Nacional (IPN) wanted to empower employees with tools that increase efficiency and improve the quality of collaboration. At the same time, IPN needed to reduce operating costs, especially telephone charges and travel expenses. The university worked with Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Grupo Unika to implement unified communications solutions, including Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, and Microsoft Office Live Meeting, which together promote collaboration through instant messaging, unified messaging, and Web conferencing. IPN is also in the early stages of deploying Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 to enhance collaboration across departments. With the new solutions in place, IPN expects to save U.S.$2 million annually in licensing costs, reduced operating expenses, and cost avoidance.