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Kentucky Community & Technical College System Invests in AI Network Upgrade

The Kentucky Community & Technical College System has upgraded its network with the rollout of AI-native networking equipment from Juniper Networks across more than 80 campuses. The institution worked with managed services provider CBTS on the project, implementing Juniper Mist access points and the Marvis Virtual Network Assistant to achieve enhanced automation, dependability, and network performance.

CBTS noted that it worked closely with KCTCS to provide customized AI strategies that would help reduce disruptions, enhance performance and availability, and enrich the student experience.

"At CBTS, we believe technology should empower people, but only when it's aligned with purpose," said CEO Kristin Russell. "That's why we began by listening with intent to KCTCS' goals before recommending a specific solution. We took time to understand their mission first and then identified the AI-powered tools that support smarter, more responsive campuses and put students at the center of the digital experience."

The Juniper Mist platform offers proactive issue resolution, self-healing network functions, and seamless user experiences, according to the news release. Since its network upgrade, KCTCS has seen a reduction in access point-related tickets as well as a decrease in support incidents, and expects that Juniper's dynamic provisioning will reduce deployment time as well as provide a projected increase in infrastructure usage time from 62% to 90% over five years.

"As we serve a digitally connected and ever-expanding community of learners across 16 colleges and more than 80 campuses, we have an opportunity to meet the evolving demands of students who expect seamless, secure, and high-performance digital experiences," said Kenneth Burdine, Deputy CIO of KCTCS, in a statement. "Leveraging advanced AI technologies enables us to deliver intelligent, responsive infrastructure that not only empowers our students and communities but keeps pace with the rapid growth and connectivity needs of today's academic environment."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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