Discover how a top U.S. healthcare system unified communications to boost care continuity, hybrid work, and digital evolution.
In today’s healthcare landscape, seamless communication isn’t just a convenience, it’s a critical enabler of high-quality patient care. That’s why one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the U.S. turned to Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE) to modernize its communication infrastructure and improve collaboration across more than 300 sites and 26 hospitals.
A Need for Connection After a Merger
Following the merger of two regional healthcare providers, the newly combined system was operating on a patchwork of legacy communication platforms—including Cisco, Nortel, and Avaya. This fragmented setup made it difficult for staff to collaborate effectively across facilities. The organization needed a unified, secure, and scalable solution that could streamline communications, integrate with electronic medical records (EMRs) and notification systems, and support remote work without compromising patient care.
Keeping Care Continuous During a Crisis
The urgency for better communication tools became more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid deployment of secure, remote communication tools helped ensure continuity of care at a time when in-person collaboration wasn’t always possible.
Initially, the system leaned on Microsoft Teams to support remote operations. But as needs evolved, the organization transitioned to Rainbow™ by Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, a cloud-based collaboration platform designed for enterprise-grade security and flexibility. With more than 10,000 licenses deployed, Rainbow enabled both clinical and non-clinical teams to collaborate from anywhere—safely and efficiently.
From Fragmented to Future-Proof
Working closely with ALE, the healthcare system replaced its legacy infrastructure with a fully integrated, future-ready communication environment. Key technologies deployed include:
- Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCX Enterprise communication server
- Alcatel-Lucent handsets for reliable voice communications
- Rainbow by Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise for secure cloud collaboration
- OmniSwitch 6900-X72-F and 6860E-P48 to support a high-performance network backbone
These solutions unified communications across all locations, supported hybrid work, and improved responsiveness for both routine and emergency situations.
The Results: Better Collaboration, Stronger Infrastructure
The impact has been significant—both technically and operationally:
Technical Benefits
- Unified communications across 300+ sites
- Resilient, secure infrastructure that performs in high-stakes environments
Financial Benefits
- Scalable, future-proof solutions that support ongoing digital transformation
- Strong return on investment and reduced complexity
User Experience Benefits
- Seamless collaboration between clinical and non-clinical teams
- Flexible hybrid communication options that adapt to different work styles
An ongoing partnership, creates a lasting impact
The customer continues to partner with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise to support its digital evolution. Whether on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments, ALE’s tailored solutions ensure continuity of care, operational efficiency, and a technology foundation built for the future.
Jonathan Dreher
VP Strategic Industries – North AmericaJonathan is a seasoned leader in sales and systems engineering management within the Networking and Telecommunications industry. He has a strong track record of mentoring teams, driving innovation, and solving complex customer challenges across mission-critical operational technology sectors.
Throughout his career—including several leadership roles at Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise—Jonathan has remained focused on guiding partners and customers through technology transitions. Today, he leads the Strategic Industries team, spearheading growth through key partnerships and building robust ecosystems tailored to industry-specific needs.
A collaborative and forward-thinking leader, Jonathan values the expertise of his team and believes success is a shared achievement. He thrives on challenging the status quo and is deeply committed to the journey of continuous improvement and innovation.
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