Partner Voices: Removing Risk, Lowering Cost – The MCPc & Cisco Partnership

As part of our ongoing Partner Voices blog series, we had the opportunity to hear from MCPc. During the past 11 years, MCPc has bet long on Cisco, using networking, switching, telepresence, and digital media tools within its own business and in the outstanding help for the business of its clients.

For example, since the beginning of 2013, MCPc has used Cisco Telepresence internally for more than 4,320 hours of cumulative communication. That is more than 180 full days of time. Most MCPc associates have Jabber on their mobile devices, and their local media is paying attention to the ways in which MCPc has implemented Cisco throughout the company. But MCPc does more than just make its own travel schedule easier for employees – it has enabled clients to take advantage of Cisco’s full breadth of offerings.

The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport had a problem. In fact, it had several problems. Hopkins is a transportation hub for 11.5 million passengers per year. Bags were being lost, passengers needed real-time flight signage, the internal communications was in severe need of an upgrade, and of course, the entire airport needed wireless access.

The solution to all of these problems came in just one word: Cisco. Hopkins chose MCPc as its integration partner for a multi-million dollar project based on previous technology collaborations, and MCPc’s status as a Cisco Gold Partner and Cloud Builder Partner. The fact that MCPc has received a record 15 consecutive Cisco Customer Satisfaction Excellence Awards, the highest award of that type distributed by Cisco, didn’t hurt either. In 2013, Cisco awarded MCPc with two Cisco Global Awards: Architectural Excellence – Borderless Networks & Public Sector, as well as Emerging Partner of the Year – Collaboration. Accolades like these highlight the nature of the MCPc / Cisco relationship and the talent that both companies consistently bring clients.

MCPc began with Hopkins by taking the time to gain a thorough understanding of their environment, and where Cisco implementations could be most meaningful. Ultimately, MCPc implemented a brand new Baggage Information Data System (BIDS) and a Flight Information Data System (FIDS), as well as the Cisco Digital Media Suite to display the information about bags and flights on digital signage.

Until MCPc began this project, the BIDS and FIDS systems were managed separately by each airline. The Cisco Digital Media Suite (DMS) became the centralized, accessible platform to manage information displayed to passengers. Hopkins could then manage content to its 200 professional-grade Samsung LCD video screens throughout the airport. Through this upgrade, Hopkins gained control over multimedia content to travelers, making their messaging more impactful. The system at Hopkins is currently one of two in the world, the only other one being the major regional hub of Melbourne, Australia.

The communications system upgrade for Hopkins was special – MCPc installed a new robust core network that included redundant fiber paths to prevent downtime during any kind of maintenance. MCPc also installed Telepresence to enable videoconferencing across several locations. In addition, in order to enable Hopkins to run its applications, MCPc deployed two complete FlexPod systems, one in its data center and one in its Disaster Recovery center.

The example of the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is just one of several client success stories from the MCPc / Cisco partnership, all of which underscore the binding principles of MCPc and Cisco:

MCPc uses Cisco to enable greater efficiency for clients, lowering CapEx and OpEx simultaneously

MCPc and Cisco’s partnership reduces the need for other third parties to be involved in projects, and the inherent risk that brings

MCPc and Cisco have close connection and open hotlines, accelerating the entire client experience

This partnership approach ultimately benefits MCPc clients, enabling work to happen with fewer interruptions, lowered cost, and lowered risk. With a deep bench of Cisco certified engineers, MCPc has partnered in Cisco’s leadership in the future of networking, communications, video and collaboration, and is looking forward to continuing the growth of that relationship.

MCPc has taken proactive steps at becoming a top-flight Cisco partner, employing the right Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) talent and surrounding with the best Cisco technologies. Let us know what you think by joining in the conversation in our comments section.