EllisDon Collaborates with Cisco on Smart Construction

Companies reach formal agreement on strategic collaboration which focuses on integrating IP-based technologies into next-generation building design and construction

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - EllisDon today announced a formal strategic collaboration with Cisco, which is designed to accelerate the development of a next-generation smart, connected building strategy to bring the power of network convergence to building construction. Executives from both companies, including Robert Lloyd , Cisco's E.V.P. of Worldwide Operations and Geoff Smith, EllisDon's President and C.E.O., met to put the finishing touches on the relationship. EllisDon is one of Canada's largest construction companies with operations and projects across the globe.

The collaboration with Cisco is the latest development in EllisDon's ongoing initiative to transition the building industry from a traditional construction model to a smart building vision with an IP-enabled infrastructure at the core. This vision of a Fourth Utility, in which the network becomes as central to a building's infrastructure as mechanical and electrical systems, has the ability to transform the tenant experience, redefine building energy management, improve efficiency management, increase system reliability and security, and create new revenue opportunities for building owners.

    
    Collaboration Highlights:

    -   The strategic collaboration will focus on three principal areas:

        -  Thought-leadership: The companies will promote the Smart+Connected
           Real Estate vision, where the network is the innovative platform
           for building integration, optimization and transformation.

        -  Consulting: Best practice development to enable EllisDon to build
           a consulting practice around Smart Building construction. New and
           innovative solutions will be determined in collaboration between
           EllisDon and Cisco certified solutions as a foundation.

        -  Construction projects: EllisDon and Cisco will collaborate on
           design services for public-private partnership (P3) proposals and
           IT additions to existing construction projects, such as the 18
           York Street project in Toronto.

    -   Initial priorities for both companies will be the integration of the
        network as a key component in all existing and future construction
        projects.

    -   Cisco will work with EllisDon to deploy Cisco Network Building
        Mediator and Cisco Services for Business Energy Management to support
        automated demand response management with commercial and industrial
        customers; measurably reduce environmental impact; and provide real
        time control and access to information about building energy use to
        improve customer visibility and lower operating expenses.

    -   EllisDon and Cisco have collaborated on several successful P3
        projects to date including: William Osler Health Centre, Peterborough
        Health Centre and MMM Group Head Office.
    

Stephen Foster , EllisDon's Managing Director of ICT, says: "I believe that the construction industry is one of the last remaining sectors that has not yet been positively impacted with the emergence of Internet based protocol (IP) technologies. EllisDon and Cisco strongly believe that IP technologies are going to change the way architects and engineers design, builders build, and facilities managers manage their real estate portfolio, with the end result being a better overall experience for the tenants and landlords - managing, reporting and controlling the environment from where you want the information and when you want the information."

"Smart Buildings are one of the high growth markets for technology innovation because it offers immediate and tangible results in driving facility and energy efficiency that is attractive to building owners and tenants," said Rick Huijbregts, vice president of industry solutions at Cisco Canada . "EllisDon and Cisco have a common vision of the role of the network in driving Smart+Connected Real Estate, where the network is the innovative platform for building integration, optimization and transformation."

About EllisDon

EllisDon is an employee-owned company delivering construction expertise and services to clients throughout the world. Completing in excess of $2 billion in new construction annually, EllisDon employs approximately 1,000 people and has a presence in North America , as well as offices in the West Indies and the United Arab Emirates . Incorporated in 1951, EllisDon has distinguished itself through its people and its innovative practices. Offering not only construction and project management but now a growing range of construction consulting services in risk management and technology, EllisDon is behind some of the most exciting and innovative projects in the world. For more information, please visit www.ellisdon.com.

About Cisco

Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.

For further information: Rishma Mangat, EllisDon Corporation, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]