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NACR and Vocera Deliver Wireless Voice Communications to New Minneapolis Public Library

Eagan, MN - July 17, 2006 - NACR (North American Communications Resource, Inc.) recently teamed with Vocera Communications to deploy a hands-free wireless voice communication system within the central branch of the Minneapolis Public Library (www.mplib.org). The library staff is now using the Vocera System to improve client services throughout the city’s new high-tech facility, which opened on May 20.

The new Minneapolis Public Library building - the 325,000-square-foot, $125 million centerpiece of the city’s 15-site library system - was a prime candidate for the Vocera System and building-wide wireless communications. NACR was selected as the Value Added Solutions Provider to install the wireless network and Vocera System because of the company’s extensive experience in IP and converged network integration.

Vocera provides hands-free voice communications throughout any 802.11b networked building or campus. The solution is powered by software and a communication badge - a small (less than 2 ounces) wireless device that can be clipped to a shirt pocket or worn on a lanyard. With speech recognition, the system uses basic voice commands to place calls, enabling logged-in users to stay connected and perform their duties wherever they are within a large facility.

“Our employees use the Vocera System all the time,” according to Sharon Kinsmith, IT Manager for the Minneapolis Public Library. “Whether they need to find a book, get an answer to a reference question, or request help from IT, security, or some other department, the system lets them place a call instantly, without having to remember a phone number or find the nearest telephone.”

With the Vocera solution, the user simply says a name, and the call goes through from the Vocera badge. For privacy, staff can use a headset or transfer a call to a phone extension. Logged in users can even receive external calls that come into the library and are transferred to their badges or phone extension.

The Minneapolis Public Library got the idea when some staff members visited the Seattle Public Library and were impressed by its use of the Vocera System. “It made sense for our new building to have a state-of-the-art wireless network solution that would integrate with our Cisco infrastructure and Mitel IP voice platform,” said Kinsmith.

That network grew as the building design evolved - eventually extending wireless Internet access throughout the facility rather than in a limited area as originally planned. According to Kinsmith, “Locating the wireless access points correctly was challenging, given the size of the building, its multiple floors, its large cement columns, and the books themselves, which can block wireless signals.”

But working closely with Vocera, her NACR support team - including Project Manager Jan Trapp and Account Manager Cathy Peick - and her other vendors, Kinsmith had the help she needed to ensure wireless coverage and integrate the Vocera System with the library’s phone system. “The whole team worked well together and was willing to answer any questions so that we could have the technology up and running on opening day.”

In addition to providing deployment, testing, and training support, NACR configured the Vocera System software to meet the library’s user and workflow requirements. Today, with the help of Vocera and other technologies, the library continues to increase efficiencies to meet the needs of the public.

Looking ahead, Kinsmith plans to purchase more badges to provide Vocera access to more staff. And while the system is used only at the central library location currently, she may test Vocera in one of two large branch locations that are undergoing renovations and will be reopening in 2007.

The Vocera System is widely used in hospitals, libraries, hotels, and retail settings. As strategic partners, NACR and Vocera have performed more than six deployments in Minnesota alone.

About NACR
The largest Avaya BusinessPartner, NACR is a privately held Value Added Solutions Provider (VASP) that provides comprehensive communication systems and support, including Voice over IP (VoIP) and converged network integration, consultative services, ongoing maintenance, and repairs.

NACR is a certified Avaya Platinum BusinessPartner, Three-Star Service Provider, and five-time Avaya BusinessPartner of the Year, as well as a certified Vocera partner. Headquartered in Eagan, MN, the company was launched in 1993 with only five employees. Today, NACR has about 400 employees and 55 locations across the country dedicated to designing, implementing, and servicing the full Avaya product line. For more information, call 1-888-321-NACR (6227) or visit the Web site at nacr.com.

About Vocera Communications
Vocera provides wireless systems that enable instant voice communication among mobile workers, for institutions and companies requiring enhanced customer service, productivity, and teamwork. The company serves its global customer base from its headquarters in Cupertino, CA, and has sales offices in the United Kingdom and Australia. For more information, call 1-408-882-5100 or visit online at vocera.com.

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