The University of Edinburgh

Digital Transformation Strategy

Complete Network review, strategy and digital transformation to bring the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world into the 21st Century.

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Location


Edinburgh, EMEA

Overview


Universities have used networks longer than almost any other sector. Despite the experience, many Higher Education organisations still rely on legacy systems to support twenty-first century needs. Following on from an initial Network review undertaken by PTS in 2016, the University of Edinburgh made the bold decision to replace its entire Network Infrastructure.

Highlights


• Network Procurement

• Competitive Dialogue process

• Requirements gathering

“The extra support also allowed the University to pay close attention to the needs of various departments, used to managing their own individual networks.”

Summary


There are many ways to configure a network. Different configurations have different characteristics and implications. The University of Edinburgh opened a competitive dialogue process to gain an understanding of the options available before selecting potential suppliers.

Support from PTS helped to bridge any gap in the University of Edinburgh’s knowledge. The team helped the University with supplier-manufacturer relationships and concepts including zero-touch installation, network access control and policy management.

Together with PTS, the University of Edinburgh applied a forensic and diligent approach to scrutinising responses. This ensured the University received answers to all the essential questions. Is the supplier offering a fair price? Do the numbers add up? Are all the benefits applicable?

Competitive dialogue processes are usually lengthy, and naturally requirements change. With PTS on board, the University had support gathering additional requirements. The late inclusion of the ResNet, (the University’s Residential Network) into the procurement process required a quick review to clarify its understanding of its Wi-Fi, the Client also requested a survey.

The extra support also allowed the University to pay close attention to the needs of various departments, used to managing their own individual networks. Being attentive to their needs ensured buy in and reassured the University that the new network would support students, staff and researcher needs.

The University of Edinburgh’s complete network transformation project will be ambitious but significant investment. Its estimated to take over 500 workdays to complete. The new network will improve resilience, support and future improvements, reduce costs, increase security and offer consolidated systems and management. By undertaking a thorough procurement process and seeking external expertise for additional support, the University is confident it is on the right path to meet its objectives and maintain its reputation as a world-class institution.

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