HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—September 7, 2005— SirsiDynix announced today that the company recently partnered with Bluesocket Inc. to develop and install a secure wireless patron access solution at Queens Library in New York. The library consulted SirsiDynix, its library technology vendor, for help in planning a wireless installation after library staff members attended a presentation about wireless technology at the Sirsi SuperConference, the company's users' group conference, in 2004. Rick Cook, SirsiDynix network engineer, worked closely with Queens Library and Bluesocket for several months to develop a solution that met the library's needs – integrating SIP2 functionality into Bluesocket Controllers so that the library's policies would be enforced for users accessing library resources wirelessly. Once the integration was completed, Queens purchased a BlueSecureTM 5000 Controller from Sirsi. Its recent installation in the Central Library will make wireless access possible in 63 library locations for over 14 million library users. Eleven libraries will have wireless access immediately.
"We started to talk with Queens Library about Bluesocket when they asked me if I could build SIP2 functionality into Bluesocket's Controllers. This was the catalyst for me to get that work moving forward," said Cook. "As a result, there is now a single BlueSecure 5000 Controller at the central location supporting access points at the main library and remote branches. Many of the branches are multiple floors, and ultimately when the library completes renovations at its branches and installs its customer service model to include the new features, there might be 70 to 80 access points when the system is finished."
"Queens Library has recognized the need for wireless technology as a way to expand computer access for our customers and enrich their lives. Security of our business data and our customers' privacy were critical to a successful implementation. SirsiDynix worked closely with us for a custom solution," said Thomas W. Galante, library director.
"Working with Queens Library on this wireless project is exciting for two reasons," said Patrick Sommers, SirsiDynix CEO. "First, that one of our customers is taking this strategic step is great because it further positions the library at the heart of the community. Second is we're excited to be working with Queens and other clients to help them accomplish their goals using today's best-of-breed technologies from SirsiDynix and key technology partners like Bluesocket."
About Queens Library
The Queens Library serves a book-hungry population of 2.2 million from 63 locations including six Adult Learning Centers. It is one of the highest circulating libraries in the U.S.
About Bluesocket, Inc.
Founded in 1999, Bluesocket is the leader in open wireless security and management solutions. Its extensive WLAN product portfolio delivers trust and simplicity to increasingly complex wireless networks. Thousands of BlueSecure Controllers are deployed by leading enterprises including Harvard University, Honeywell, Universal Health Services, Toyota, Parker Hannifin and others who require a higher quality of WLAN service. Bluesocket's long-standing expertise in wireless and security has attracted a large customer base that spans enterprise, education, healthcare, government, library and public access markets. Bluesocket customers can profit from their wireless networks by protecting existing investments, maximizing ROI, and increasing their competitive edge. For more information, please visit www.bluesocket.com.
About SirsiDynix
Created in June 2005 through the merger of Dynix Corporation with Sirsi Corporation, SirsiDynix provides the broadest array of information management products and services for libraries and consortia worldwide. Both Sirsi and Dynix have had excellent track records as leading information technology providers for libraries and their users, and the new company will build on its constituents' strengths while providing more opportunities for technological innovation and growth. SirsiDynix has approximately 4,000 library and consortia clients around the world, serving more than 200 million people through more than 20,000 library outlets in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. For more information, please see www.sirsidynix.com.