New IT Infrastructure for Vrije Universiteit Brussel
IT is both the backbone and Achilles heel of almost any major organisation and that is no different for the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB – Brussels Free University). Its 9,000 students and 2,700 employees need the right IT infrastructure to support their various activities. The requirements are high as, even in education, (international) competition is becoming more and more intense. IT provider Ferranti took on the task of swiftly making up VUB’s lost ground and turning it into a lead.
At the beginning of 2008 the VUB decided to completely update the IT infrastructure of its administrations. “Our aim was to increase the automation and computerization of the processes within our organisation,” states ICT Director Luc Van Buggenhout. “We initially charted these processes in great detail as the new structure had to be workable for all departments and promote cooperation between them.”
What were the criteria the new IT infrastructure had to satisfy? “Security was a major concern,” comments Luc Van Buggenhout. “For instance, the study points gained by our students are transmitted to the appropriate authorities via the Higher Education Database. This process has to be 100% confidential.” We also needed a reliable central data storage facility, including a disaster recovery strategy. Thirdly, it was essential to have a seamless transition to the new system. Luc Van Buggenhout states: “Our users rely on a service package that incorporates the necessary freedom. New standards are fine providing they do not meet with resistance, hence the need to ensure that all functions remained safeguarded at all times.”
Total Solution
With these requirements in mind a set of specifications was designed for potential IT providers. Three candidates remained after the initial selection. They were given the opportunity to develop a proof of concept based on virtualisation. “This is where Ferranti managed to gain the advantage,” says Luc Van Buggenhout. “Not only was their technical know-how the best available, they were also better than the others at recognising our specific situation. And they were able to offer us a total solution.”
This solution was based on solid foundations, i.e. a data platform virtualised with VMware and based on HP blade servers and HP EVA storage. This server environment was also completely split with a potential failover facility to a second data centre at a separate location. The software was also updated with the installation of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Active Directory, Exchange 2007, File & Print Services and SharePoint Server 2007. Microsoft System Centre Operations Manager and System Centre Data Protection Manager 2007 provided a simple central management system.
Available 24/24
Today the central administration already works with the new infrastructure, but the intention is to connect in the faculty administrations also. The advantages speak for themselves, states Luc Van Buggenhout: “The use of the SharePoint platform as a data container facilitates file sharing and storage, and users no longer need not worry about data security. Agenda sharing via Exchange also makes it easier, for example, to arrange meetings.”
Ferranti also manages the IT environment as the VUB does not yet have a complete IT management team. “Fortunately these people are available 24/24,” comments Luc Van Buggenhout, “and we have easy access to the helpdesk via the MyFerranti portal.” Ferranti has now also built up a virtual desktop platform, which means that older PCs can be used for longer. Eventually they will be replaced by more economical thin clients. Luc Van Buggenhout happily concludes: “Together with Ferranti we will have cleared a ten year backlog in less than three years!”