Dubai, UAE, 19 November 2012 - In line with its commitment to providing students with state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, the American University of Kuwait, in partnership with Lenovo, has renovated and upgraded four computer labs with the latest Lenovo ThinkCentre M71z all-in-one desktops. Designed to increase productivity and significantly reduce operational costs, the new machines have enabled the University to enhance student output whilst cutting energy costs by a staggering 87 percent.

Optimizing the same space, AUK increased computer count from 108 machines to 156 by using the smaller footprint of the ThinkCentre all-in-one workstations. This upgrade is highly significant as the cost to build a new lab of approximately 1,600 sqft, to accommodate the 49 new PCs, would have cost the University $300,000. "By replacing 72' desktops with more compact 60' machines with faster processing power, AUK  now caters to a greater number of students whilst making huge savings," said Faeq Abed Ali Abu-Khair, the Project Manager for this venture at AUK.

Commenting on the PC lab upgrades, Rusty Bruns, Director of Information Technology at AUK stated, "It is important for AUK students to have access to the latest technology in order to support their academic careers; the upgrades to our PC labs, with the support of Lenovo, have made a phenomenal difference both in terms of providing students with greater access to technology and through the financial and energy saving to the University. As a result of these cost savings we can reallocate funds to new projects that support the academic development of local talent."

AUK's new PC lab is now more energy efficient; annual energy cost for the 108 computers equaled 1,660,954 kW a year due to 6 year-old PCs with 17" CRT monitors. The new 156 Lenovo ThinkCentre all-in-one desktops only use 204,984 kW a year. Through the deployment of Lenovo's latest technology, AUK has reduced energy costs by utilizing the same space and decreasing energy costs by 1,455,970 kWh, annually.

Oliver Ebel, executive director and general manager, Lenovo Middle East & Africa said, "Lenovo's Think-branded products power the operations of thousands of companies around the world and we are thrilled to be working with AUK to help boost productivity and enhance technological access for students. Long recognized as a hallmark for innovation and excellence ThinkCentre machines are designed with consistency, reliability and durability in mind. We look forward to continuing our support to academic institutions around the region, ensuring students are provided with access to the latest technology that enables them to join the 21st century knowledge economy." 

"Behind their sleek exteriors, ThinkCentre all-in-one are designed to deliver
serious productivity while staying within the confines of tight spaces and budgets," added Ebel.

-Ends-

About the American University of Kuwait
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and coeducational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural, and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. For more information, visit www.auk.edu.kw.

About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $US30 billion personal technology company - and the second largest PC company in the world, serving customers in more than 160 countries. Dedicated to building exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices, Lenovo's business is built on product innovation, a highly efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution. Formed by Lenovo Group's acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the Company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina.  For more information, see www.lenovo.com.

For more information please contact:
Farah Abu-Salah
Farah.abu-salah@hkstrategies.com
Mob: +97150 7483040
Dir: +9714 33 44 930

© Press Release 2012