Is the University taking advantage of what the cloud can offer? You bet we are!
Over the last few years, Information Technology has shifted its strategy to leverage cloud-based solutions and capabilities. Here are some examples:
- COVID-19: The deployment of the Cloud Based Microsoft 365 Platform prior to the pandemic placed us in a great position to switch gears when the need to work remotely emerged.
- Reduction of maintenance costs: Cloud vendors conduct automatic patching and software updates. Previously, IT staff needed to do these activities. To name a few, our Web platform (Acquia), our IT Service Management System (TopDesk), our research administrative systems (Synto), our system integration gateway (Google Apigee), our email and data analytics systems (Microsoft Azure), are now all maintained by a cloud provider.
- Faster return on investments: Compared with the uoCampus implementation, which is an on-premise system, Workday is requiring less time and effort.
- Cybersecurity: The University benefits from cloud storage providers who implement baseline protection for their platforms and the data they process such as authentication, access control, and encryption. We supplement this protection with added security measures to bolster data protection and tighten access to sensitive information in the cloud. Leveraging cloud security greatly reduces the overall cost of ownership and increases our security posture.
- Increased service offering: The cloud has allowed the University to deploy additional services while controlling the increase in costs for these services. Our virtual-line system is one example. Leveraging economies of scale provided by the cloud allows us to offer more services in a cost-effective manner.
With a focus on Transformation 2030, Information Technology is using today cloud-based building blocks (software as a service and private clouds) to address future business needs. Many of these needs will benefit from cloud adoption: disaster recovery, telephony, harmonized service offerings and business intelligence amongst others.
More investments are required to help guide and transform the University to consume cloud services, but one thing is clear; leveraging the cloud is a sound strategy and will help the University achieve its desired business outcomes.
Authors: Martin Schnob, Infrastructure Architect; Rajesh Dawar, Application Integration Architect; Daniel Trottier, Deputy Chief Information Officer