University of Suffolk selects Cisco and ITGL to connect university tradition with new ways of learning

With an impressive graduate employment record, the University of Suffolk prides itself on combining university tradition with the modern world of employment and entrepreneurship. The University announced the deployment of a world-class technology infrastructure with Cisco and ITGL to support that ambition.

From training paramedics to bioscientists, the University has a strong focus on industry-facing qualifications that help students to learn practical skills for their future careers. With approximately 5,000 students, the campus in Ipswich will undergo a complete overhaul of its network infrastructure with the introduction of an intent-based network that can uniquely understand, interpret and fulfil the needs of users, applications and devices connected to it.

Peter O’Rourke, Director of IT, University of Suffolk, said, “Everything we aim to achieve as a university is driven by our academic strategy for growth and sustainable development. Our IT infrastructure is critical to implementing this vision and our investment in world-class technology is a tangible demonstration of the University’s commitment to provide an excellent service for our staff, students, and stakeholders.”

“The support from ITGL has already been fantastic. Working with them has been hugely beneficial, not only from having the opportunity to work with a closer-knit group of experts, but with the quality of the feedback and the consultancy we’ve received during the planning of this exciting next step forward for the University.”

Intent-based networking provides a fundamentally different way of building and managing modern networks. As an integrated system, the network anticipates actions, is able to stop security threats in their tracks, and continues to learn, adapt and evolve. The University of Suffolk is deploying key elements of Cisco® intent-based networking technology, including Cisco Catalyst 9000 Switches to lay the foundation for advanced network management and security capability and Cisco DNA Center which will provide command and control through a ‘single pane of glass’ – with insight into users, devices and applications, wherever they are on the network.

Martin Butler, Head of Further Education, Cisco UK & Ireland said, “Technology is creating new opportunities for how we learn, innovate and inspire. With such a significant and diverse set of students and staff on the University of Suffolk campus, it is vital that the infrastructure is in place to support the ambitions of the next generation and continue to establish them as a pioneer in education. We’re delighted to be working with the University and ITGL to build its technology foundation for the future.”

Ben Pammenter, Education Practice Lead,ITGL added “We’re excited to be working with the University of Suffolk on this transformational project. Our education practice drives deep expertise and innovation into the sector and we look forward to continuing to demonstrate this within the partnership.”

Professor Helen Langton, Vice Chancellor, University of Suffolk said, “We promise to put excellence for learning and teaching at the centre of everything we do. Committed partners like Cisco and ITGL who share in this passion will help us ensure our IT infrastructure supports delivery of this important promise.”

Deeply embedded in the local community, the University of Suffolk is also part of a Cisco-led project to bring together a consortium of government, academia and industry organisations to build connected communities. Initially in Suffolk, the project aims to create a viable business model to end digital exclusion in the UK.

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