Abstract
Most higher education institutions have an aging infrastructure that greatly hampers the use of modern computer technologies. This paper discusses the implementation of a campus-wide solution for the networking infrastructure needed for the 1990s at Southern Methodist University, a medium-sized, private institution, that does not assume high technology solutions at the expense of other needs. Readers should learn about evaluating alternatives, selecting a strategy for their environment, and how to get the job done successfully. Topics include buying and installing a cable plant, construction of closets, and dealing with asbestos, old voice and data switch technologies and transition, an integrated telecommunication management system, and lack of funds, space, and faculty support. The combined management of voice and data communication greatly simplifies the politics and provides economies in allocation of staff. Expansion of the Internet to each desk top and client-server applications campus-wide are now possible. Paper presented at CAUSE94, the full proceedings of which are available through this Library as PUB1094.