Accelerating Digital Transformation at the University of Sussex
Project at a Glance
The University of Sussex needed to modernise its ageing, capacity‑constrained infrastructure while avoiding steep licensing cost increases. Working closely with Nutanix and Softcat’s professional services team, the university rapidly migrated to a new scalable platform within three weeks. The transformation delivered significant cost savings, major performance improvements, strengthened disaster recovery, and a resilient foundation for future growth.
drop in disk utilisation after
virtual machines migrated with zero
outages
projected annual licensing cost increase avoided
Challenge
The university’s infrastructure had reached full capacity, causing performance issues, operational firefighting, and dependence on ageing systems that created single points of failure. Escalating licensing costs added financial pressure, while outdated backup systems and constrained scalability prevented the university from innovating or supporting future growth.
Critical Success Factors:
1
Lower Costs, Greater Value
A cost-effective replacement for existing infrastructure.
2
Fast Deployment, On-Time Renewal
Rapid implementation to meet tight renewal deadlines.
3
Built to Scale for the Future
Scalable, high-performance platform to support future growth.
Solution
Softcat designed and delivered a modern Nutanix‑based platform, providing high‑ and low‑level designs, technical assurance, and rapid deployment.
A dedicated team—including project management and professional services—worked closely with the university and Nutanix to ensure a smooth, fast transition. The solution replaced legacy systems, improved governance, and enabled a scalable, high‑performance environment.
- Nutanix infrastructure replacing existing solution
- Professional services and project management from Softcat
- Support on vendor engagement and governance throughout
Results
The university immediately avoided major cost increases and gained a dramatically faster, more resilient platform.
Core systems now load almost instantly, disaster recovery capabilities have significantly improved, and long‑standing technical debt was resolved. The transformation has enabled operational efficiency, future‑focused planning, and faster digital experiences for students and staff.
- Annual savings compared to renewing previous solution
- 270+ virtual machines migrated with zero outages
- Improved performance, scalability, and resilience
Softcat enabled us to turn around significant aspects of a complex legacy IT infrastructure and shift focus to our new operating model over a short period
of time.Chris Mitchell
Senior Project Manager