The university had over 500 legacy applications and systems built up over the last 30 years across academic, research, financial functions. This complex environment was costly maintain, had security risks, lacked integration. The pandemic necessitated rapid shift to online modalities exacerbating these issues.
Infrastructure:
UpSky Tech migrated on-prem data centers, allowing decommissioning aging hardware. Reduced total cost of ownership by 62% using Azure public cloud including AI/ML capabilities.
UST enabled hybrid approach for uptime critical systems still on-premises leveraging cloud data storage/backup like Azure Stack, NetApp. This maintained legacy compatibility while readying cloud shift.
Security and Governance:
Office365 allowed students, faculty perimeter access without VPN enhancing user experience over old Citrix farms. MFA, encryption ensured security.
Cloud governance principles around access controls, business continuity and DR planning established for long-term agility, compliance.
Platform interoperability using Azure AD, APIs and defined IAM roles reduced duplicate identities between platforms like Workday, Canvas LMS.
UST enabled hybrid approach for uptime critical systems still on-premises leveraging cloud data storage/backup like Azure Stack, NetApp. This maintained legacy compatibility while readying cloud shift.
Teaching and Learning:
AV upgrade with interactive projectors, lecture capture, webcams. Enabled flexible teaching methods for changing dynamics across large cohort general courses, seminars etc.
UST introduced Canvas Learning Management System aligned to technology skill building in curriculum. Dropout rates in early STEM courses lowered 12% through remote learning enablement.
$12 million cost optimization through cloud models while providing security, 30% improvement in student retention levels university-wide from personalized support capabilities.