Innovate in the Cloud: How CDW Transformed a University’s Digital Landscape

To meet increasing demand for virtual learning solutions, data security concerns and the need for efficient administrative processes, institutions in higher education are under a lot of pressure to upgrade their technology infrastructures. When a large Pennsylvania university made the decision to transition to the cloud, there were two main motivators: the desire to maintain and cultivate their brand of excellence and innovation, and the need to free up valuable real estate on their campus, reallocating data center space for more classrooms.

Deciding that AWS was the right fit for their initiative, the university initially chose to handle this monumental task in-house, but eventually found that making system-wide changes across an organization isn't an easy task. From defining goals to upskilling staff to determining which apps to move first, many businesses find they can't migrate as quickly or efficiently as they thought. To maximize the value of their migration, they needed help from an expert.

Working with a cloud migration expert not only speeds up the migration process, but also ensures you’re not just duplicating your current on-premises environment. The university chose to partner with CDW based on their deep experience and expertise, as well as their tailored solution approach.

Using SkyMap, a versatile cloud migration orchestration tool, CDW performed discovery and assessment to identify redundancies and old or inefficient systems. Their cloud migration experts then examined each system through the lens of the 6 Rs: rehosting, replatforming, repurchasing, refactoring, retaining and retiring. This determines which systems should be retired, transferred or revisioned entirely in the cloud. They actually found that a significant percentage of the university’s servers were obsolete and could be retired.

For the migration to succeed, CDW had to navigate some unique challenges, including the fact that migration could not interrupt class time, and all server and application owners had to be consulted before migration began. With this understanding, CDW helped the institution identify critical steps for optimizing their migration while modernizing their infrastructure to ensure future business scaling and long-term success.

Four components were critical in this process: 

1. Collaborative strategic planning: CDW engaged closely with university leaders to craft a comprehensive vision for cloud migration. Through extensive consultations, they ensured that the migration plan complemented the institution's long-term strategic goals.
   
   
2. Robust upskilling programs: To bridge the skills gap, CDW implemented a comprehensive training initiative. This included workshops and practical sessions designed to equip the university’s IT staff with the necessary skills to manage and optimize cloud operations effectively.
   
   
3. Phased migration strategy: CDW devised a phased approach to application migration, prioritizing systems that promised the greatest enhancement with minimal disruption. This strategy allowed the university to maintain operational continuity while progressively moving to the cloud.
   
   
4. Innovative cloud architecture: CDW crafted a cloud architecture that not only mirrored the university’s existing systems but also introduced enhancements for scalability, flexibility and anticipated growth. This robust framework ensured the institution could expand its digital offerings without being constrained by legacy systems.

The university reported immense value gained from their cloud migration experience in partnership with CDW, from shared best practices to the reallocation of much-needed space for classrooms. They also positioned themselves to take advantage of all the cloud has to offer, including:

• Improved operational efficiency: The university experienced marked improvements in operational efficiency, with cloud solutions enabling faster processing times and significantly reduced downtime. This enhancement translated into a better experience for both faculty and students.
• Scalability and flexibility: The newly implemented cloud infrastructure provided the university with the scalability needed to adapt to evolving demands. Whether it involved accommodating more students or integrating new technologies, the university was well-prepared to meet future challenges.
• Cost savings: By optimizing resource allocation and eliminating redundant processes, the university achieved substantial cost savings. The cloud migration allowed for more strategic use of existing resources, reducing the need for expensive hardware investments.
• Innovative educational solutions: With a robust cloud foundation, the university was able to explore and implement innovative educational technologies. This enabled the institution to enhance its curriculum, offering students enriched learning experiences.
• Future-ready infrastructure: By partnering with CDW and embracing cloud technology, the university positioned itself for sustained success. The scalable and flexible nature of the cloud ensures that the institution can continue to adapt and thrive amidst future technological advancements.

After over a year of trying to work the problem alone, CDW was able to complete the school’s migration in just eight months. By addressing initial challenges with expert guidance and customized solutions, the university not only achieved a successful cloud migration but also established a foundation for ongoing growth and innovation.