(Source - Data#3)
Data#3 (ASX:DTL) has wrapped up an Aruba networking rollout for Brisbane-based school, John Paul College, in a project aimed at serving the connectivity needs of over 2,000 users.
The publicly-listed integrator was engaged to consult, design, and deploy the solution for the school’s current and future requirements.
The move to hand the job to Data#3 came after John Paul College realised it needed to upgrade a wireless network that was fast becoming overwhelmed by a growing student population and the ongoing challenges associated with onboarding and managing over 3,000 College-owned computing devices.
Following an evaluation and testing process, a solution built off the back of networking equipment by Hewlett Packard Enterprse (HPE) subsidiary, Aruba, was selected as the preferred solution.
The solution rolled out by Data#3 incorporated wave 2 wireless network clusters, and security, to manage the 802.11AC wireless network, along with Aruba access points.
Aruba AirWave, meanwhile, was implemented for real-time data insights and enhanced visibility over the network.
Additionally, Data#3 also deployed Aruba ClearPass to streamline the secure onboarding of devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones.
The ClearPass solution is aimed at helping the school to identify what devices are being used on campus, how many are being used, and which operating systems are supported.
Broadly, the wireless network solution rolled out by Data#3 was aimed at providing a richer, more collaborative experience for both teachers and students – a goal that it has largely reached, according to John Paul College IT director, Jan MacNamara.
“We strive to deliver an immersive technology experience for our number one priority - our students,” MacNamara said. “The solution not only improves the overall learning and teaching experience, but also delivers significant efficiency and productivity benefits to educators, students and visitors alike.”
For Data#3 national practice manager for education, David Wain, the opportunity for more personalised and improved student outcomes in the current environment is “immense”.
“It’s fantastic to see innovative solutions assisting students and teachers. It’s been a pleasure working with the team at John Paul College, and we look forward to continuing to help them achieve their ‘Anywhere Classroom’,” Wain said, referring to the Data#3 offering that provides a framework for managing mobility in an education setting.
As reported by ARN in February, Data#3 was handed a $3.7 million, three-year contract by the Australian Federal Police for the delivery of network solutions.
The contract sees Data#3 provide software defined (network) access design, operations architecture and design, network security architecture and segmentation design, implementation of a pre-defined pilot, and operationalisation of the solution.
According to an AFP spokesperson, the solution is anticipated to largely re-purpose existing hardware and software assets owned by and licensed to the AFP, while also including an additional contracted software component involving Cisco's Identity Services Engine.
