UK's Exeter U Signs Multi-million Pound Contract for Major Network Upgrade

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 07/10/08

The University of Exeter has chosen UK-based IT services firm Data Integration to undertake a major network upgrade. The new 10,000-port network will incorporate wireless and mobile access, security, 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.

"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," said Roger Snelling, head of networks. "Data Integration scored well on both these counts, as well as offering the best value for money."

The upgrade, which is valued in the "multi-million pounds," is expected to improve network performance, create a wireless network across the school's campuses, enhance e-learning capabilities, deliver uninterrupted service to facilitate "hot-desking" and home working, and support the university's research and science strategy.

The University of Reading, University of Surrey, and London South Bank University all have worked with Data Integration.