UCT`s Graduate School of Business graduates with Microsoft technologies

The University of Cape Town`s Graduate School of Business (GSB) has completed a full migration from Novell to Microsoft Windows 2000 architecture. A systems evaluation completed by Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) revealed that a major overhaul of all IT operations at the GSB was needed to enable a robust infrastructure and to provide students and staff with advanced technological capabilities.

"As a leading graduate business school, priming its students for key positions in the business world, it is critical that the organisation stays abreast of new technology developments," says Lance Stringer, chief information officer (CIO) at the GSB. "By migrating to Microsoft`s Windows 2000 architecture, it was possible for the GSB to build a secure, reliable, and highly scalable infrastructure necessary for today`s competitive business environment."

Both students and staff will be exposed to the advantages of Microsoft`s groupware solution, the implementation of an intranet portal for collaboration and communication and full connectivity to all resources from anywhere. In addition, users will receive increased technical support through NetMeeting capabilities and remote installation services allowing pre-packaged application deployment and hassle-free upgrades and service-pack deployments.

"When choosing a technology partner, Microsoft was able to provide a solid, integrated foundation for learning and customer relationship management, the business school`s core activities, and a technology set providing high levels of reliability and maintainability whilst driving down the total cost of ownership," continues Stringer.

"The power of technology for learning emerges through the choices it provides students of different abilities, talents, and academic strengths," says Geoff Ten Oever partner manager at Microsoft South Africa. "Learning will become more inclusive, engaging students on a personal level tailored to individual needs, interests and work pace."

MCS worked closely with Space Age Technologies (SAT) during the planning and implementation stages of the solution. "The installation of a full Microsoft environment provides a clear competitive advantage and a fully scalable architecture, which is flexible enough to handle any future requirements," says Mark Geschke, technical project leader at SAT.

"Integral to teaching business practices today, is the focus on technology and its influence in business," says Stringer. "As a place of learning, we are required to expose students to the very latest IT developments available allowing them to experience the agility provided by technology first hand."