Stephen F. Austin State University Deploys New Database System to Support 8 Times More Users

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Texas has implemented a new database system to improve the reliability of its registration and student information systems.

The university had been using a combination of solutions from multiple vendors, but the system was unreliable and lacked scalability. System updates were complex in the multi-vendor environment, and the university's systems and database administration teams often had to work overtime on nights and weekends to address performance issues.

To solve the problems, the university opted to upgrade to Oracle Exadata Database Machine with an Oracle Exadata quarter rack to support its enterprise resource planning (ERP) and student information systems (SIS) and another quarter rack to support its new disaster recovery data center.

The university can now support up to 2,000 concurrent users on its ERP and SIS systems, eight times more than its legacy system. The system also has fewer bottlenecks, less downtime, and response times between three and 10 seconds, so students can register for classes faster, according to Oracle.

The new system has also reduced staff overtime and simplified the update process because the IT team can now patch the operating system, switches, storage, and database at one time, according to a news release from Oracle.

The university worked with Oracle and PSI to install the Exadata Database Machine in five weeks. The implementation didn't require any application changes, and the university's database administrators were able to use their existing skills and expertise with the new system, according to Oracle.

The university is also using Oracle WebLogic Server Enterprise Edition to support its SIS and Oracle Enterprise Manager to monitor, tune, and diagnose database performance issues.

Stephen F. Austin State University is an independent public university serving 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students in Nacogdoches, TX.

Further information about Oracle Exadata Database Machine can be found at oracle.com.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • abstract geometric pattern of glowing interconnected triangles, hexagons, and circles in blue, gold, and white, spread across a dark navy-to-black gradient background

    OpenAI Unveils 'Operator' AI for Performing Web Tasks

    OpenAI has launched "Operator," an AI agent designed to perform web-based tasks autonomously using its own browser. Currently available as a research preview for Pro users in the United States, the tool aims to automate everyday activities such as filling out forms, ordering groceries, and even creating memes.

  • digital bookshelf displayed on a computer screen

    OverDrive, Ex Libris Integration Streamlines Discovery of Digital Content

    OverDrive, a provider of digital resources for schools and libraries, has announced an integration with library management provider Ex Libris that will allow academic institutions to discover the former's e-books and audiobooks within the Alma and Primo library services platforms.

  • interconnected cubes and circles arranged in a grid-like structure

    Hugging Face Gradio 5 Offers AI-Powered App Creation and Enhanced Security

    Hugging Face has released version 5 of its Gradio open source platform for building machine learning (ML) applications. The update introduces a suite of features focused on expanding access to AI, including a novel AI-powered app creation tool, enhanced web development capabilities, and bolstered security measures.

  • futuristic crystal ball with holographic data projections

    Call for Opinions: 2025 Predictions for Higher Ed IT

    How will the technology landscape in higher education change in the coming year? We're inviting our readership to weigh in with their predictions, wishes, or worries for 2025.