Aruba solution helps Loughborough College get fit for the future
Project at a Glance
Loughborough College, a long‑established provider of academic, vocational and specialist sports education, identified an opportunity to modernise its network infrastructure alongside the development of new buildings. Working with Softcat, the college sought a refreshed solution that would integrate seamlessly with its existing Aruba environment and be delivered through an approved framework within a tight timeframe. Softcat collaborated closely with the college’s in‑house IT team and Aruba to design and implement a fit‑for‑purpose solution, providing clear pricing, flexible invoicing and accelerated delivery. The result was a successfully implemented network refresh aligned with the college’s operational, budgetary and future growth requirements.
Challenge
Loughborough College was planning new building developments and wanted to refresh its existing network infrastructure to support future needs. The college was keen to retain Aruba hardware to ensure seamless integration with its current systems, while also purchasing the replacement solution through an existing framework. In addition, it required competitive and flexible pricing, clear invoicing, and delivery within a tight deadline linked to the completion of the new buildings.
Critical Success Factors:
1
Hardware fit for growth
Source suitable hardware for network refresh and new buildings.
2
Seamless Aruba integration
Ensure solution integrated with existing Aruba systems.
3
Flexible pricing & rapid rollout
Guarantee competitive, flexible pricing and accelerated implementation schedule.
Solution
Softcat worked closely with the college’s in‑house IT team and the vendor, Aruba, to scope a suitable solution that met both technical and commercial requirements. An appropriate framework was identified, an accelerated implementation timeline agreed, and transparent pricing and invoicing information provided. Through regular collaboration and ongoing communication, Softcat ensured the solution design aligned with the college’s expectations and provided the scalability and functionality needed for current and future requirements.
- Close collaboration with client and vendor
- Transparent pricing and invoicing
- Solution implemented in line with accelerated timeline
Results
The engagement was characterised by close collaboration, proactive account management and strong coordination between Loughborough College, Softcat and HPE Aruba. Softcat’s flexible approach and rapid response to issues helped keep the project on track, including quickly resolving an incorrect part code that could have impacted delivery. Ongoing project management and collaboration added value beyond the initial implementation and supported a productive, long‑term relationship between the college and the technology provider.
- Close relationship established between client, Softcat and vendor
- Proactive account management providing flexibility and a rapid response to any issues
- Negotiated favourable pricing and invoicing schedule to match client's specific needs