Unitec migrates to the cloud with IBM

New Zealand tertiary institution Unitec Institute of Technology is consolidating its core IT infrastructure onto IBM Cloud to facilitate a quality learning experience for its students.

The move to IBM Cloud provides Unitec with a cost-effective IT platform, which will support the new streamlined enrollment process, modern online learning environments with remote access connectivity for students and staff.

IBM Cloud supports Unitec's PeopleSoft ERP environment, student learning and Unified Communications systems, creating a 'one-stop-shop' for student services that provide a seamless experience for students and caters to their flexible learning needs.

Unitec's core systems are increasingly in demand 24/7 as learning styles change and students choose to access lecture content or other material at times and on devices that suit them, with many students juggling part-time work and studying from home.

The institute previously used a mix of on-premises and cloud services but elected in late 2017 to consolidate its workloads onto IBM Cloud to achieve cost savings and economies of scale.

By making this move, IBM Cloud can support highly variable capacity needs, scaling up during registration or exam time and benefiting from cost savings during term breaks when demand is lower.

With this implementation, Unitec offers a reliable and always connected platform to approximately 17000 students and 1000 staff to interact efficiently.

The IBM Cloud supports the integration of all systems and applications, from desktops to intelligent classrooms.

"Most tertiary students today are 'digital natives' and expect a lot from online tools and devices.

"Moving to IBM Cloud allows Unitec to be agile in how we deliver our education platforms and processes to meet the changing expectations of this digital generation," says Unitec acting CDO Hamish Martin.

IBM New Zealand global technology services general manager Jo Healey says, "IBM is helping Unitec simplify their cloud journey, so they can take advantage of the innovation and scale the cloud offers.

"IBM Cloud is enabling them to streamline processes, sync and secure core systems, and improve the overall experience of studying and working at Unitec.