Nordicity chosen to develop business case and technical analysis for Ontario school board connectivity

Nordicity partners with Xit telecom to prepare a K – 12 educational network connectivity study

TORONTO — Feb 19, 2008 —The Ontario Association of School Board Officials (OASBO) has selected Nordicity Group Ltd. and its consulting partner, broadband network design firm Xit telecom, to prepare a costing/technical analysis study and business case for inter-school board broadband connectivity.

Led by Nordicity Principal, Stuart Jack, the project team will undertake a technical analysis of current connectivity to the Internet and between school boards for all 72 OASBO member district school boards (DSBs). A survey of current usage of broadband applications in the DSBs will be employed, in addition to in-depth interviews and secondary research into best practices of broadband applications in other Canadian and global jurisdictions. This research will inform the business and technical analysis of the impact of potential broadband applications and their relationship to the Ministry of Education’s key priority to improve student success. The final report will include a business case to identify the best overall connectivity solution for the OASBO DSBs.

The Ontario Association of School Business Officials welcome Nordicity and its partners to this project. Ron Plaizier, CIO, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and OASBO Connectivity Study Project Lead stated, “Nordicity and its partners demonstrated their understanding of the key technological and business drivers for this project. Their combined experience and qualifications in the area of network design and business analysis will be an asset in conducting this study into broadband connectivity in Ontario’s schools.”

TThe study will be completed by the end May 2008.

Ontario Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) is dedicated to the pursuit and support of quality education for all students. OASBO is an autonomous, non-profit, educational organization of professionals that works collaboratively to support learning by developing and promoting excellence in business practices.

Nordicity Group Ltd. (nordicity.com) is one of Canada’s leading strategy-consulting firms for clients in the telecommunications, ICT, and media/entertainment content sectors. We have deep experience in the development of financial, technical and market planning for new entrants and incumbents. Our consultants work with clients in both the private and public sectors to make business and policy decisions, and to understand the impacts of policy and regulatory developments.

Xit telecom inc. headquartered in Trois Rivieres. Quebec, has several operating subsidiaries including leading ISPs and BDUs in Quebec and other provinces, as well as a telecommunications engineering subsidiary which designs broadband networks across Canada and in global markets. The firm employs over 30 people with over 20 staff composed of seasoned telecommunications project managers, professional engineers & technicians.