Baystate Health System selects Fibertech Networks to provide private fiber optic network

Fiber Optics Weekly Update, March 21, 2003

Baystate Health System, one of New England's largest health care systems, has selected Fibertech Networks to build a private, dark fiber optic network connecting five of its Springfield-based locations. This new communications infrastructure will not only allow Baystate to dramatically increase its network capacity between facilities, but also provide the ability to quickly deploy leading-edge technology applications.

According to Rick Oliveri, Technology Management Director at Baystate Health, implementation of the network is the first phase of a multi-layered approach to enhance its communications infrastructure and integrate technology among facilities. Baystate's broader technology strategy will accommodate telemedicine applications and high-speed image and data transfers, accelerate business continuity and data recovery efforts, and ensure compliance with new federal health care regulations.

Fibertech will utilize a portion of its own 75-mile fiber optic backbone in Springfield, Mass., to deploy Baystate's network. The remaining connections off the network require additional construction by Fibertech. In total, the Baystate fiber ring will encompass nearly 11 miles and connects the South Campus, Baystate Medical Center, the Chestnut Surgery Center, the Corporate Office Building and the Ambulatory Care Center. In addition to organizations within the health care industry such as Baystate, Fibertech is connecting other enterprise customers including financial, education and government agencies, looking to manage their own network facilities. The company brings "dark" fiber optic cables directly to local business locations and the customer connects their own electronics to "light" the fibers on the network. Headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., Fibertech has networks operational Springfield and Worcester, Mass.; Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Binghamton and Albany, N.Y; Indianapolis, Ind.; Columbus, Ohio; Hartford and New Haven, Conn.; Pittsburgh, Penn.; and Providence, R.I.