DELL Technologies is to support Ulster University on its digital transformation journey by enabling it to develop a consistent digital experience for its 34,000 students, research, teaching and professional services staff as well as by sharing its cyber-security expertise.
The partnership has helped to modernise UU’s compute and storage infrastructure by removing data silos in its Northern Ireland campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, Jordanstown and Magee.
Ulster University needed to provide students with the digital infrastructure required by a modern learning environment while also continuing to deliver world-recognised research irrespective of location.
But with outdated technology and data silos across campuses adding to the complexity and cost of its IT systems, it faced many obstacles in providing one consistent experience for students and teaching staff across its sites.
UU, which opened its new £360 million Belfast building in September, turned to Dell to overcome these challenges, and its Intel-powered infrastructure enabled the university to consolidate its IT needs under one platform.
With the shift to hybrid learning and the rise in cyber threats, Ulster University also tapped into Dell’s expert team of experts to enhance its cyber resilience strategy.
Through the guidance of Dell Technologies, Ulster University’s IT team can address any potential cyber threats and ensure robust recovery capability to restore operations in the case of an attack.
George Maybury, public sector director for Dell Technologies Ireland/Northern Ireland, said: “As a trusted partner of Ulster University for over 20 years, we have developed a strong relationship with this historic institution in Northern Ireland.
“From supporting the IT team as they modernise the university’s infrastructure to empowering researchers to use AI and Edge Computing as part of the Belfast Region City Deal, we’re making transformation real.
“Through our collaboration, Ulster University has also started its cloud journey. Cloud is about transforming operations, and we are excited to have worked with the University to fuel that transformation well into the future.”
Terence Nicholl, head of infrastructure and operations at Ulster University, said: “As a single university with four unique sites, we faced the challenge of ensuring a consistent teaching and learning experience for all of our staff and students.
“With the help of Dell Technologies, we were able to build a roadmap to transform our existing infrastructure so that we could provide a seamless, single, and consistent service provision while enhancing our cyber resilience.
“Thanks to our strategic relationship we have with Dell, we are now confident that we can build on the achievements to date and strengthen the experience of Ulster University’s staff, students and visitors for many years to come.”
The announcement builds on the long-term partnership between Dell and Ulster University.
In 2020, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed which saw both organisations work together to develop emerging technology that will advance research in digital health and drive innovation in screen and media. The partnership is an important building block in the development of the new Belfast Region City Deal.
