GBM boosts DWC Information Technology infrastructure

With this upgrade, GBM has successfully implemented an advanced on-demand infrastructure for e-learning and IT infrastructure management, positioning DWC as an educational technology leader in the region.

This integrated infrastructure offers a combination of high-speed wired and wireless networking capabilities, enterprise management and security solutions.

It is built on IBM e-Server x-Series and Blade-Center servers with IBM Total-Storage technologies and offers high-security capable wireless access across the campus, a network-based access control system and an IP-based phone system including wireless handsets.

"Building this important platform on IBM technology means that we are deploying high-quality systems, with the benefit of GBM's expertise and vision, that are fundamental to our technology-rich teaching and learning strategy," said Dr. Howard Reed, Director of Dubai Women's college.

Dr. Reed said, "It is widely acknowledged that blended learning which combines online and face-to-face learning is growing substantially. Blended learning contributes to the College's objectives: specifically in raising standards, improving quality, removing barriers to learning and providing new opportunities for learning anywhere and anytime.

"In addition to this, a blended-learning approach prepares individuals for employment, continuing professional development, and ultimately provides the opportunity for each student to reach her full potential," he added.

Highlighting the essence of e-learning as the driving force in the transformation of the education system, Cesare Cardone, CEO - GBM said, "E-learning is the application of e-business technology and services to teaching and learning. Its digital content and collaboration support distant learning and augment classroom learning. It includes IT infrastructure, content development and management, as well as e-learning delivery platforms."

Cardone added, "E-learning has the potential to deliver this high quality education, and can offer a more complete and personalized learning experience throughout the learning process. Realising the 'learning anytime, anywhere' concept, along with transferring books, course materials and related programs information to the digital environment, requires a reliable, scalable and flexible IT infrastructure."

With the extensive and successful experience in implementing infrastructure projects and high profile assignments, along with its IT experts and its unique affiliation with IBM, GBM used IBM and Cisco technology to help DWC accomplish its Phase III Project implementation.

"E-Learning is a complex and integrated process where the Internet enables us to involve, interrelate and tie together people, processes, content and technology to devise, deliver, support, evaluate and manage learning in a holistic way," explained Cardone.

According to Dr. Reed, "This has been a very exciting project for us, as the possibilities are limitless. With this superior IBM and Cisco infrastructure in place, Dubai Women's College has positioned itself to be the premiere choice for students, with educational facilities that will allow them to experience the significant benefits of e-learning. The on demand infrastructure that we have implemented with the help of GBM will transform the way our students learn and work with each other."

DWC, together with GBM have built a highly secure network for the campus without compromising on Internet speed. It keeps the new environment safe from Internet threats and intrusion attempts by identifying them and taking preventive action.

This project is evolving beyond mere technology and computing support to strategy creation and business transformation.

The drastic transformation of the IT environment at Dubai Women's College has resulted in greater network speeds, increased stability and availability, more proactive security, and an infrastructure that is more manageable and easier to grow allowing students anytime access to learning resources and offers the College greater flexibility in delivery methods.

With this revolution, DWC has a better chance to meet the demands and priorities of both educators and students.

Dr. Reed concluded, "Dubai Women's College is part of the region's drive to lessen its dependency on imported expertise, by creating a new generation of women able to support, participate in and manage a modern economy. The solution provided by GBM supports our business objectives, with outstanding technology that is fully capable of responding to change."