3Com Corp., a prominent communications networking provider, said Guilford College is using its CoreBuilder switch to support the campus smart card program.
The 1,500-student college, in Greensboro, N.C., has installed an advanced network based on ATM-asynchronous transfer mode-that gives everyone on campus high-speed e-mail, Lotus Notes, intranet, and Internet access, while streamlining a host of administrative and financial functions.
The wiring plays a part in the payments function built into the chip card, which also includes identification, library card, calling card, and security applications.
The smart card system is a joint initiative of the college, First Union Corp., and Cybermark LLC. Eventually it is to incorporate campus voting, class registrations, and financial aid transactions.
"We needed a network that would support the advanced academic and campus services that students and parents expect from a private college," said Norm Gibbs, Guilford's director of information technology and services. "With the ATM network from 3Com we plan to not only meet, but exceed, expectations."