Click here to receive your FREE subscription to Campus Technology
Features
2007 Campus Technology Innovators: Virtualized Networks
8/1/2007
TECHNOLOGY AREA: VIRTUALIZED NETWORKS
Innovator: Rice University
RICE INNOVATOR
Kamran
Khan on the
university's new
virtualized network:
"We took
a holistic
approach in
architecting
and designing
an
innovative infrastructure
that is future-ready and
does not require a forklift
replacement."
Foregoing traditional switched networking for a high-capacity, advanced virtualized network
When technologists at Rice University (TX) set out to upgrade the institution's network in 2004, they decided to forgo traditional switched networking to leverage carrier class technology and create a high-capacity, advanced virtualized network. Along the way, the university constructed a state-ofthe- art network, along with enterprise storage and a new data center. Today, Rice is recognized as the first academic institution to utilize multiprotocol label-switching (MPLS) virtual private networks (VPNs).
The need for reliability, security, and quality of service was the driving force behind this project. Working with Cisco Systems and IBM, Vice Provost for Information Technology Kamran Khan and a team of IT researchers created an initial MPLS design and then visited campus stakeholders to vet the concept, secure buy-in, and collect additional requirements. The proposal was funded in spring 2005, and the blueprint for building the infrastructure revolved around a major overhaul of integral academic, administrative, and research cyberinfrastructure.
Technology choices. Rice engaged IBM and Cisco to execute the project on an accelerated timeline. Contractors were hired through IBM to install the copper and fiber infrastructure. As each building was wired, Rice and IBM installed the network equipment and prepared the infrastructure for client migrations. As part of the conversion, technologists migrated data to BlueArc enterprise storage using disk-to-disk backup technology from Copan Systems. Elsewhere, teams installed technology from Sun Microsystems, CommVault, and Hewlett-Packard.
"The infrastructure was designed in collaboration with our faculty and students for efficiency, support, future demand, innovation, management and maintenance, performance, and cost efficiencies," says Khan. "We took a holistic approach in architecting and designing an innovative infrastructure that is future-ready and does not require a forklift replacement."
Recommended Reading
- CT Industry
- eProcurement Success!
Today, it's clear to almost every campus executive that moving an institution from the traditional purchasing model to a strategic eProcurement program can greatly increase staff efficiency and save the institution money. Because eProcurement automates so many purchasing processes, it eliminates reams of paperwork and allows procurement staff to refocus their efforts on cutting costs and improving strategic partnerships.
- How to Be a Super Tech Leader
Mary Jo Gorney-Moreno didn't start out in IT. She joined San Jose State University (CA) in 1981 as an assistant professor in the school of nursing. But somewhere along the way, she realized her energy was focused on academic technology, and how it could help a variety of learners gain knowledge.
- James Morris
- Products :: Data Security
- Products :: Physical Security
