Dimension Data takes Kiwi education to the cloud...

Dimension Data New Zealand has partnered with Education New Zealand to improve its technology capabilities allowing it to better market Kiwi education internationally.

The ICT and solutions provider has deployed a Microsoft Private Cloud in its third and final phase of a programme of work, focusing on securely improving the user experience of the organisation's globally spread employees.

The first two phases saw the transformation of the organisation’s IT infrastructure to improve governance and security to an appropriate government standard, whilst ensuring it's availability to users, scalability and preparation for disaster recovery.

Education New Zealand reports the infrastructure upgrade is a step forward in maturing its IT services and improving functionality to assist the organisation in achieving its objective to grow the value of New Zealand’s international education industry.

“Dimension Data’s deployment of Microsoft Private Cloud will put Education New Zealand in a position where it can be more competitive within the global market, giving its marketing staff around the world access to more tools to be more productive and efficient in a secure manner," says Nick Halikias, National Sales Manager, Dimension Data New Zealand.

Education New Zealand chose the hybrid cloud model, which utilises both on-premise and cloud-based solutions dedicated solely to the organisation. The solution will deliver more effective mail messaging, data applications, web solutions, as well as back-end infrastructure and services.

“The hybrid model has the flexibility of having a fit for purpose on-premise solution, balanced with the cost-efficiencies of the cloud,” Halikias adds.

With staff in 20 locations, Education New Zealand needed to ensure its network was secure and that it was available and functioning at all times for its global employees, as well as those at home.

The organisation is now set-up to survive a catastrophic geographical data center failure with no disruption to the business in other locations.

“Through a series of operational contractual agreements, we are also able to relieve Education New Zealand of some pressure by sharing the risk and responsibility for challenges that occur within the IT environment, giving the organisation more capacity to get the job done," Halikias adds.