ACADEMIA

Mountain West Telecom, the region's premier telecommunications solutions provider, today announced it has won a contract with Linux Networx to service and maintain its current Mitel telecommunications system. Linux Networx, a high-end computing systems provider, turned to Mountain West Telecom's highly regarded Service Protection Plan (SPP), signing a four-year Platinum Plan agreement. The most comprehensive of Mountain West Telecom's three SPP options, the Platinum Plan includes 24-hour on-site and remote service, emergency service, training, preventative maintenance, dedicated dispatch, onsite moves and carrier support. "Linux Networx is rapidly expanding and we needed a telecommunications partner that could help us grow our current infrastructure," said Mike Balzotti, system administrator for Linux Networx. "Mountain West Telecom's expertise and service has enabled us to seamlessly add additional equipment to meet the demands of our growing workforce." As part of the agreement, Mountain West Telecom also helped Linux Networx to make better use of its existing system by training four Linux Networx employees as system administrators to troubleshoot errors and provide daily support. Mountain West Telecom also installed new handsets for Linux Networx to accommodate 25 additional personnel. Linux Networx is one of Utah's fastest growing technology companies and secured $40 million in funding last year from Oak Investment Partners and Tudor Ventures, making it the largest single investment in a Utah company in 2004. Linux Networx is a leading provider of Linux-based supercomputing systems, and has built some of the fastest computing systems in the world. "We are thrilled to provide Linux Networx with the top-of-the-line SPP service contract," said Jeffrey Pitts. "Adequately maintaining a telecommunications system is key to its longevity and functionality, and by having system administrators onsite, Linux Networx will be able to address many problems that arise with little or no outside assistance."