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Facilities Update
Javits Center Offers Free Wireless Service Up To 256K of Bandwidth throughout Entire Building Starting Today



New WiFi System Serves up to 70,000 Wireless Devices at Any One Time
Part of New State-of-the-Art Technology System Including New Cabling Infrastructure,
Access Points and Back-up Power Supply Units

New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (NYCCOC) President and CEO Alan Steel recently announced the launch of free wireless service - up to 256K of bandwidth - for all customers and visitors at the Javits Center, the busiest convention center in the United States. With free wireless service throughout the facility, visitors can experience online access on their mobile devices while in and around the iconic structure on Manhattan's West Side. Customers who prefer greater connectivity for larger data downloads will be charged at specific rates per day. The wireless service is part of a new state-of-the-art technology system installed at the Javits Center, providing the facility with one of the most advanced systems among convention centers nationwide. The new system includes a consolidated data center, hundreds of new access points, new back-up power supply units and a tracking system to monitor on-site service requests. Each year, the Javits Center hosts more than two million visitors and 35,000 exhibiting companies who conduct millions of dollars of business with mobile devices throughout the 2.1 million square-foot building.

 "With the installation of our new technology system, the Javits Center is wired for success like never before," said Steel of NYCCOC, which operates the Javits Center. "We understand the importance of wireless access, and we are happy to provide free service throughout the facility to accommodate visitors who want to send email or search the Internet. For any convention center to succeed today, it must have superior technology to accommodate the countless wireless transactions of data and dollars during an event, and our advanced infrastructure can do just that."

 "Wireless access is an integral part of business today, and thanks to our new modern infrastructure, our customers can conduct transactions in a seamless fashion in any area of the building," said Vice President and Chief Information Officer Mark Sims. "Nearly 30 years ago, this iconic building was constructed in order to spur economic activity, and our new technology capabilities will certainly generate even more business opportunities in the years to come."

As the Javits Center's recent top-to-bottom renovation project was implemented, several significant technological upgrades were installed throughout the building in order to ensure reliable connectivity, provide visitors with easier web access and offer greater flexibility for customers. Prior to this technological overhaul, there were severe connectivity issues inside the building, including outdated circuits, limited wireless signals and service gaps, that mandated a new focus on technology to enhance the customer experience and adapt for future advances in technology. Among the new system's highlights are:

·      Enhanced infrastructure. Upgraded 85% of the exhibition hall data cabling to Category 6 Ethernet standards (8,000 data drops) - enhancing our capability to provide more reliable and consistent information technology (IT) services;

·      More access points. Installed and cabled more than 700 wireless access points, forming the foundation of a high-density wireless system, which provides more reliable connectivity for up to 70,000 users at any one time throughout the building;

·      High-quality networking equipment. This equipment will enable the Javits Center to design and deliver IT services to provide the best value and return on investment for the Javits Center and our customers;

·      Back-up power. Installed back-up uninterruptible power supply units (UPS), which will keep IT equipment powered up in the event of a short-power failure until full extricate power is restored;

·      Comprehensive on-site redundancy. On-site redundancy has been built into the design of the critical core and edge IT networking equipment. All such dual equipment has been configured to failover seamlessly or with minimal service interruption; and

·      Antenna system. Installed a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) with the country's major wireless carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint, enabling reliable cellphone signals throughout the entire facility.

 In addition to installing advanced equipment, the Javits Center's Technology Solutions Department also has taken several steps to improve customer service, such as the implementation of a tracking system to manage service requests, increasing the efficiency and accountability of its employees. The department also collaborated with leading industry organizations to provide employee training and establish an IT governance council to explore future trends.

 Since the completion of the renovation project, recent events at the Javits Center have experienced major boosts in attendance, such as the International Conference of Shopping Centers' Annual New York National Deal Making Conference. The December 2014 event, which hosted an estimated 9,600 visitors, experienced a 26% increase compared to the prior year at a different venue. Funded by a private-public partnership, the $463 million renovation project also included new façade, flooring and mechanical systems, as well as a 6.75-acre green roof, improving the appearance and overall efficiency of the facility.

About Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York

Known as the "Marketplace for the World," the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York was designed by I.M. Pei & Partners and opened in 1986. The iconic facility has since become New York City's primary venue for large conventions, trade shows and special events and serves as home to many of the world's top 250 trade shows, hosting millions of visitors a year. These large-scale events generate up to $1.5 billion in annual economic activity for New York City and New York State, supporting more than 14,000 jobs in and around the facility. Located on 11th Avenue between 34th and 40th sts., the Javits Center has 840,000 sq. ft. of total exhibition space, 102 meeting rooms and four banquet halls, as well as a range of technological services, including WiFi access. For more information, visit www.javitscenter.com.
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