University of Wollongong in Dubai launches pioneering Virtualisation project with Dell

Solution extends IT lab environment to entire campus from any device at any time

Dubai, UAE, September 22, 2011: The University of Wollongong Dubai (UOWD) has launched a pionering virtualisation project in collaboration with Dell, to extend IT-enabled learning beyond the university's IT lab.

Through Dell's virtual desktop infrastructure solution, academic information - such as e-books, lecture notes and class schedules that were once only available on desktops in UOWD's computer labs - is now available to students and faculty anywhere on campus from any device at any time.

Plans for secure, remote off-campus access to academic information are already in progress. In addition, Dell's virtualized desktop solution increases the amount of compute power that faculty and students can utilize.

Designed to securely increase productivity, communication and information access for UOWD's community, while reducing cost and complexity, the virtualized solution allows organizations like UOWD to adapt to changing dynamics in education and technology, while enabling technology resources in a more rapid and cost-effective manner. For example, UOWD is able to provision technology resources to faculty and students working on research projects that require large amounts of compute power more rapidly and economically than previously possible.

The Dell desktop virtualization solution is easily scalable to quickly accommodate changing classes and curricula, as well as increasing UOWD's ability to more rapidly respond to security threats, install new technologies and upgrade old ones, resulting in an improved technology experience for students and faculty alike. The solution also lays the foundation for UOWD to develop its own private cloud.

"This is the first live and in production virtual desktop solution in the UAE. Academic environments have high demands and limited resources, and need an affordable, reliable and efficient way to improve and manage their infrastructures," said Dave Brooke, Dell Middle East Commercial General Manager. "Dell listened to the University's exact requirements and by providing assessment, design, implementation and project management services, as well as tailored solutions, this allowed us to exceed their expectations. Our end-to-end service has provided them with the open, capable and affordable learning environment they need to succeed."

Mohamed Salem, Dean, Computer Science and Engineering, UOWD said, "At UOWD, Information Technology has been a priority area for a long time. Now, with the advanced Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, we can ensure better desktop provisioning for computer labs and faculty teaching facilities, leading to a greater degree of flexibility in delivering new applications for students who will now have access to computer labs images off-campus."

"Through virtualization, UOWD will be able to maximize the efficiency of its assets and students will get a virtual private lounge that allows access to applications from anywhere. We are delighted to partner with Dell to migrate from a traditional computer environment to a virtualized desktop and the cloud to improve the quality of academic life for the university community. In addition, we are the first UOW campus to implement this technology, and we are piloting it for the UOW's Australian campus," said Joseph Aninias, IT Manager, University of Wollongong in Dubai.

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About the University of Wollongong in Dubai
Established in 1993, UOWD was the first foreign university in Dubai to be licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research. Located at Dubai Knowledge Village, it boasts 3,600 students representing almost 100 nationalities. It is closely associated with one of Australia's best performing research and teaching Universities, the University of Wollongong, Australia.

PR Contact:
Anthony D'Silva, Communicate Gulf (anthony@communicategulf.com)

Tel. +9714 3510803, Mobile: +971 50 4571624. P.O. Box 52821, Dubai, UAE