MIT Prepares Students For THEIR Future In A Connected Worksp

MIT Prepares Students For THEIR Future In A Connected Workspace

New Zealand, 19 February 2014 – Dimension Data has begun the implementation of a multi-million dollar ICT infrastructure for Manukau Institute of Technology’s (MIT) new Manukau Tertiary Centre (MTC) campus, which is part of Auckland Transports new Manukau Transport Interchange.

The new building, which is being built by Hawkins Construction Limited to house the Faculty of Business and Information Technology, will offer state-of-the-art learning facilities with a focus on the ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) model, a strong driver for education globally.

Due for completion in May 2014, the building is the first educational facility of its kind in New Zealand and is designed to provide a 21st century learning environment for students and staff, giving MIT students the ability to learn in a modern workspace environment similar to what they are likely to experience when they enter the workforce.

Simon Gillespie, CEO, Dimension Data New Zealand, says the workspace delivers both virtual and physical desktops for MIT staff and BYOD capabilities for staff and students. “Revolving around the implementation of large-scale virtual desktop technology, the solution will enable the faculty to assign computing resources to students according to their level of access, permissions or their assigned courses. This will free up the internal IT support teams and provide timely access for students.”

The infrastructure uses offerings from a number of technology providers, including Dell, Citrix and Microsoft, delivering a virtual desktop or application to any device, anywhere. Dimension Data is also delivering a wired and wireless network infrastructure to better connect students and provide an effective campus mobility solution.

“Virtual computing resources will allow users to bring their own devices, thereby reducing both the need for MIT to supply devices to labs, and the physical space those devices require,” Gillespie adds.

Dr Peter Brothers, MIT Chief Executive, says students are demanding greater access to better technology and MIT is proud to be at the forefront of this technology evolution. “The MTC campus will provide a modern and future-proof tertiary education facility, offering the tools and infrastructure for flexible, collaborative workspaces utilised by up to 5,000 students and 120 staff. Any student on campus can bring any approved device and get access to virtual applications and desktops, and it’s all completely wireless,” he says.

“Among other new IT capabilities, staff and students will be able to communicate through voice or video and share knowledge, so anyone offsite can be involved. This new ‘virtual learning’ approach for a New Zealand campus represents an exciting development for both students and staff.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media