HP ProCurve South Africa has, through its valued channel, successfully implemented a Network Backbone Infrastructure across 10 Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) campuses; delivering connectivity to over 60 000 users.
Following the merger of a number of campuses into TUT, there was a need to implement a secure and easily managed centralised networking solution with capability to support a multi-vendor environment.
The mandate for HP ProCurve, as set out by the TUT ICT management team, was to connect all campuses through a scalable and flexible network that would be readily available at all times. The HP ProCurve solution enables the TUT IT managers to accommodate a converged communications network that caters for future traffic demands without the need for infrastructure redesign, as the university's population and technology requirements expand.
HP ProCurve has enabled TUT to effectively manage and distribute the high bandwidth the university is planning to obtain through SANReN and Seacom, delivering ten-gigabit connectivity between most South African universities, and also allow for high-speed international Internet access.
“ProCurve Networking technology offers all the benefits of reliability, security and simplicity that we wanted from our wireless network, and its wireless mobility solutions have transformed the way that the university operates,” says Mr Kabelo Bokala, ICT Director for TUT.
“Students now have easy access to data on all campuses, and lecturers and staff appreciate the flexibility that ProCurve offers, because they can collaborate on projects more efficiently. HP ProCurve also delivered the best value for money through cost-effective solutions and their very unique true lifetime warranty; this made HP the obvious choice for our networking infrastructure platform across the institution.”
In valuing the importance of education and skills transfer, HP ProCurve has also dedicated time to training IT staff members at TUT on how to manage the new infrastructure. HP ProCurve, in conjunction with Eclipse Networks, the HP ProCurve Master partner responsible for integration of this solution, has provided TUT with mobile labs (which can be moved between campuses), allowing staff and students to gain hands-on skills and experience by using the same equipment that has been implemented in the live environment. Five ICT support staff members have also acquired HP certification through a comprehensive training programme with HP Education.
“HP ProCurve used this opportunity to showcase its above-standard service offerings and its commitment to being a long-term IT partner for the university,” says Lorna Hardie, Country Manager, HP ProCurve, HP South Africa. “Innovation is key to expanding educational opportunities - and HP ProCurve is privileged to collaborate with TUT, an institution that is committed to exploring the exciting possibilities that exist at the intersection of teaching, learning, and technology."
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