Future strategic improvements to the University network
15 Feb 2019
As part of the IT Modernisation programme, on Friday 8 February, IT Services successfully entered into a contract with Roc Technologies Ltd to become our new strategic partner for The University of Manchester’s IT Network and Infrastructure - delivering the most advanced network capability in UK Higher Education
This partnership will provide a fantastic opportunity for IT Services to work with some of the world’s leading LAN, wireless and data centre technologies to build a strategic and sustainable service that supports the digital aspirations for the University.
We currently have a good network but are reliant on ageing equipment and tools. We intend to build a leading edge network to ensure the University remains competitive and can achieve its strategic aims.
Malcolm Whitehouse, Chief Information Officer at The University of Manchester commented, “In delivering our transformational IT strategy to ensure we create a world-leading ‘Digital University’ we have looked to partner with organisations who share our vision of innovation. After a significant process that involved engagements across the industry, our selection of Roc Technologies as a partner is down to not only their technical and commercial fit but also their commitment to the social and cultural values - so important to the University and wider community. It is a pleasure to work with an organisation that shares our values for giving something back and we look forward to working with them to not only develop our IT infrastructure but our relationships with our stakeholders”.
“A number of colleagues have been intensely involved across IT Services. In addition, representatives from the commercial, procurement and legal teams have also been involved and supportive. I would like to recognise the significant collaborative effort and superb hard work from everyone in taking the University successfully through a complex tender process, and thank them for their continued commitment.”
What will it mean for the rest of the University?
- A network environment that supports convergence of Teaching and Learning, Research and Professional Services activities in a scalable, predictable way
- The ability to keep up with connectivity trends
- Predictable costs and service levels for University planning
- Denser levels of wireless coverage to accommodate growing demands on the wireless network
- A data centre network which is agile and allows us to manage the networking of new services using automation and orchestration
- Better insight into network operations for the team which will allow us to speed up fault rectification
- Innovative Artificial Intelligence features to support students and staff in their work and enhance overall satisfaction
- Reassurance that the service is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
For more information, contact the IT Modernisation team: