SYDNEY, Australia, August 23, 2005 - Holmesglen Institute of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) is providing internal e-mail addresses for up to 55,000 students for the first time through a storage area networking (SAN) solution from Cisco Systems®. As a result of using a SAN solution from Cisco®, and its technology partners, Hitachi Data Systems and IBM, Holmesglen has been able to boost data sharing and network access by 30 percent.
Holmesglen, a leading provider of higher education in Melbourne, has become one of the first education providers to rollout Internet Protocol (IP)-based technology from Cisco to reduce implementation and maintenance costs and improve service to students and staff. The technology, known as Small Computer System Interface over IP (iSCSI), allows Holmesglen to streamline its data sharing system, providing greater flexibility to grow the network as demand for online teaching and network access increases.
Holmesglen's Manager of Information Technology, Ron Gascoigne said; "One of the principal benefits of the new network is greater storage capacity, allowing internal e-mail access for all students, something the old system was unable to facilitate. This will reduce student reliance on third-party e-mail, and make it easier for students and the TAFE to communicate. Furthermore, the SAN is also increasing network capacity from one terabyte (Tb) to 5.5 Tb, helping Holmesglen to better satisfy student needs as they move towards online learning methods."
The network is significantly reducing and simplifying infrastructure requirements across the TAFE's three campuses. It is based on Cisco MDS 9216i switching technology, in concert with Hitachi's Thunder 9500V disk arrays, and IBM's eServer BladeCenter with two-way Intel processor based blade server technology. Through the use of the SAN technology, Holmesglen is able to eliminate reliance on more traditional storage solutions, specifically by avoiding the need to deploy fibre channel switch blades within the IBM eServer BladeCenter servers. Another benefit of the SAN solution is the ability for Holmesglen to investigate off-site storage and disaster recovery centres for the institution, delivering further operational and budget savings in the future. Resources required to manage the storage network have also been reduced delivering significant time and cost savings for Holmesglen.
Cisco managing director, Australia and New Zealand, Ross Fowler, said; "Cisco has worked closely with Holmesglen and our SAN technology partners to provide Holmesglen with the ability to bridge large distances in the network while lowering connectivity costs, without compromising network quality. SAN technology is a clear example of how organizations can use their IP networks to manage ever increasing amounts of data in an efficient manner."
About Holmesglen TAFE
Holmesglen Institute of TAFE is renowned as a centre of excellence for the design and delivery of education, training and consultative services. Since its establishment in 1982, Holmesglen has grown to become one of the largest TAFE Institutes in Australia, providing close to 600 courses to 50,000 students across three major campuses at Chadstone, Moorabbin and Waverley in Melbourne, Victoria. The Institute offers programs including Apprenticeship, Certificate, Advanced Diploma and Graduate Certificate level studies and is currently developing a range of Bachelor Degree programs.
Holmesglen is proud to have been appointed the Official Training Provider for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. Having received and accepted this challenging and exciting project, Holmesglen aims to deliver a high level of training across a broad range of study areas. The Institute will support Victorians and help them gain unique skills so that they may enjoy being a part of this major sporting and cultural event. Holmesglen is delighted at the opportunity to contribute and support all those involved in the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games in March 2006.
For further information, visit www.holmesglen.vic.edu.au.
