PHOENIX, Ariz. – The $1.5 billion Desert Schools FCU is utilizing the new Voice-over ATM and Inverse Multiplexing solution developed by Cisco to more efficiently utilize communication links between its operations center and 18 remote branch locations, and for network and e-com enhancements. Calence, Tempe, Ariz., will provide LAN/WAN network security management. This technology aggregates multiple T1 lines to form a single, high-speed ATM link. The single link can be used for both voice and data transmission. "Desert Schools can now share more information with remote locations without increasing communications costs," said Gary Laieski, senior director of technology at Desert Schools. "The conversion preserved our ability to reclaim bandwidth once dedicated solely to voice communication." The network overhaul was initiated when 3Com notified Desert Schools last year that it would no longer support its existing network. Partnering with Calence and Cisco, the new network solution was implemented in six months.