Radical network upgrade at Exeter University

17 Aug 08

The University of Exeter has chosen specialist IT services concern Data Integration to undertake a network upgrade enabling faster and more secure student communication services.

The new 10,000-port network will incorporate the latest wireless and mobile access, security solutions, Juniper Networks’ EX Series switches, integrated Nortel and Microsoft unified communications and a campus-wide wireless network based on Aruba’s 802.11n access points.

With green issues high on the University’s managerial agenda, it’s thought that Data Integration’s ability to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed infrastructure was a significant factor in the company’s appointment for the project.

Reducing the University’s carbon footprint

Roger Snelling – the University of Exeter’s head of networks – told info4security: “Understanding how the supplier would work with us to help us become a Top 10 Higher Education institution, and how the proposed solution would help the University reduce its carbon footprint were key criteria in our evaluation. Data Integration scored well on both counts.”

The multi-million pound contract will:

deliver faster network access
create a wireless network across the Exeter campuses
enable greatly enhanced e-learning capabilities
provide increased protection against network damage
deliver maximum reliability
allow the easier integration of new technologies
deliver uninterrupted service to facilitate hot desking and home working
support the University’s research and science strategy

Strong working relationships

Speaking about the contract, Data Integration’s CEO Simon Crumplin said: “We have strong working relationships within the Higher Education sector, and we’re looking forward to developing a genuine partnership with the University of Exeter’s management team. It’s tremendously exciting to be working with such clear and ambitious strategic objectives, helping the team at Exeter to transform the IT environment and the services offered to both staff and students alike.”

Other Higher Education sector customers of Data Integration include the University of Reading, the University of Surrey and London’s South Bank University.