Dive Brief:
- The University of Maryland-University College moved its IT operation infrastructure to a nearly-exclusive cloud based system, reducing hardware by more than 97%, while increasing network performance.
- Using third-party service for academic management and internal systems for personnel and document management, the networks now allow staff to have a more complete picture of network health and communication.
- UMUC officials recommend using SaaS for ease of use and fewer demands for faculty training, and to get buy-in from academic leadership in supporting the migration.
Dive Insight:
Oakland University and Columbia University Teachers College have upgraded or changed networks several times in the last decade, but cloud management allows for more inexpensive, less challenging solutions to common higher education tech management.
For college business leaders who are constantly looking to save costs, cloud based network management or outsourcing may be an ideal way to start. Given its importance in student retention, recruitment and course access, network stability could soon become a leadership priority.