Cisco network solution delivers enhanced performance, security and user experience
Project at a Glance
The University of Worcester needed a faster, more secure and reliable network to support students and staff across its modern, high-tech facilities. Softcat conducted in-depth workshops, designed a high-performing Cisco network architecture, and delivered a solution that enhances speed, security and user experience across campus.
Challenge
The University of Worcester’s longstanding network had become slow, difficult to manage and no longer capable of delivering the level of security or reliability required. Staff were experiencing performance issues, and poor network responsiveness risked harming the student experience. The University turned to Softcat to explore a modern alternative that could deliver stronger performance, reliability and security across campus.
Critical Success Factors:
1
Reduce User Friction
Minimise poor user and student experience issues.
2
Strengthen Network Performance
Enhance network speed, reliability and security.
3
Enable Smarter Learning
Deliver high-performing network and enhance student experience.
Solution
Softcat began by running detailed workshops with the University’s IT team to fully understand the problems and requirements. When the pandemic halted onsite sessions, the engagement continued online. Softcat’s network and security specialists collaborated closely with the University, producing a comprehensive high-level design outlining the exact environment, capabilities and hardware needed to build a secure, high performing Cisco network.
- Extensive hands-on collaboration in discovery/design phase.
- Knowledge transfer to upskill in-house IT team.
- Cisco Network Infrastructure backed by full professional services.
Results
The University now benefits from a faster, more reliable and more secure network that significantly improves the user experience for both staff and students. Enhanced performance, simplified management and strengthened security help ensure that its modern facilities and digital resources run smoothly, supporting a high-quality education experience.
- More reliable, secure, and performative network infrastructure.
- Significant reduction in the time spent firefighting issues.
- Ongoing break/fix support to ensure performance and protect reputation.
The University has worked with Softcat for many years on many projects and have found it really focuses on what is best for the customer. It has a breadth of expertise on hand to offer impartial views on solutions and back that up with the technical knowledge to deploy solutions and support them.
Ged Attwood
Head of IT Operations, UoW