Summer is always a busy time for Promedia Technology Services, Inc. As schools are out of session, it is prime time to employ technology solutions for K-12 school districts. One recently completed project by Promedia was the installation and deployment of a new wireless network solution for Mater Dei Prep. Mater Dei Prep is a private Catholic prepatory high school that is part of a 64 acre campus located in Middletown, NJ.

Promedia presented a robust technical solution to Mater Dei Prep, and was able to differentiate itself from other companies in several important ways. Advanced certifications and high level partner status with industry leading manufacturers such as Cisco and Microsoft enable Promedia to deliver quality technology solutions to clients in the K-12 marketplace. These certifications and a detailed network architecture design were instrumental for Promedia to secure Mater Dei Prep’s project work order.

Prior to receiving Mater Dei Prep’s approval to install a new wireless network, Promedia’s IT engineers, architectural designers and specialists conducted a walkthrough of the campus. This walkthrough provided an opportunity to complete an assessment of the wireless network (strengths and weaknesses) and provide suggestions and recommendations that included enhanced systems security and increased broadband speed that would benefit Mater Dei Prep. Following the detailed assessment, Promedia’s team of engineers developed the optimal design and configuration for the new wireless network that would deliver the best possible solution for Mater Dei Prep. The proposed configuration included 44 network access points, which represented one access point per classroom. In a meeting with Mr. Jeff Platenyk – Director of Technology and Mr. Steve Sciarappa – Principal, Promedia was able to effectively communicate the features and benefits that would be realized, once the proposed wireless upgrade was implemented.

Mater Dei Prep currently provides a tablet PC to each student. This 1 to 1 tablet PC program has been in place for 5 years. The tablet PC and embedded software provides students with the applications and programs that are used during their learning years at Mater Dei Prep.

Mater Dei Prep decided to upgrade their wireless network once they realized that the proliferation of educational apps in the cloud and the growing use of the internet in education would over time cause their network to be in jeopardy. Promedia configured a wireless network that allows all Mater Dei Prep students to take full advantage of their powerful devices in every classroom throughout the school.

In addition to the tablet PCs, Mater Dei Prep maintains several network printers that are tied to the wireless network. Through the new wireless network, students can choose to print a document from anywhere in the school and pick up their paper copies at a designated location. Another important element that was a part of Mater Dei Prep’s decision making process was Promedia made sure that the proposed network was highly scalable to allow for future wireless technologies.

Mr. Platenyk said, “Promedia was instrumental in providing our School with a top tier wireless network architectural design and solution. We’re pleased to have Promedia as a partner, as their entire team is all about customer focus and quality results.”

Ultimately, Promedia upgraded not only the wireless system, but also the network switches accompanied by a Cisco wireless controller for monitoring and managing the new wireless network. Cisco technologies were used in all of these critical areas. Promedia leverage it’s expertise and advanced certifications in Cisco technologies to deliver a reliable, seamless and efficient wireless network. One of the key facets of the project was the consolidation and reduction of the number of switches Mater Dei Prep required. Post implementation, Mater Dei Prep has appreciated a cost savings and streamlined their network for the benefit of its 350 plus students and faculty team.

One additional element of this project was Promedia’s ability to utilize all of its relationships to bring the best solutions to Mater Dei Prep at the best price point. Promedia was able to deliver competitive financing for this project which allowed Mater Dei Prep to stay within their budget while providing them with a top tier wireless solution.

In summary, Promedia’s technical expertise and excellent customer service came together to provide a positive experience in upgrading Mater Dei Prep’s network.

“We are pleased to have discovered and selected Promedia Technology Services, Inc. for this critical project. As our student body, faculty and administration teams continue to grow, so does our technology base need to expand. Finding a quality preferred vendor was indeed a great challenge and in the end our school was rewarded by making the right vendor choice. Promedia delivered what we asked for, and we look forward to a long lasting partnership,” said Mr. Platenyk.