Case Study

Google Apps Education Edition

Leading London university moves to the cloud with Google Apps, saving £1million and aligning technology to sta and student needs

Institution For 170 years the University of Westminster has been a place where dedicated and creative students have enjoyed a vibrant learning environment, graduating with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career. More than 20,000 students from over 150 nations are taught at the University’s prime locations across three large sites in London’s West End, and a fourth location at Harrow. The University has a long history of innovation and leading the way in developing new technologies, including opening the first ever photographic studio in Europe and showing the first moving pictures to a paying British public. Challenge The University of Westminster faces similar challenges to many Higher Educational institutions in the UK and worldwide: catering to the IT needs of a very large number of people with finite resources. “Our IT budget is always stretched, but at the same time we have to deliver a first class service for our sta and students,” explains Professor Roger James, Director of Information Systems at The University of Westminster. “Today, universities have to compete for students on a global level. Building a reputation for delivering an outstanding student experience plays a crucial role in attracting prospective students. So does making the most out of leading technologies to provide an innovative environment for learning and teaching and the wider elements of student life.” An additional factor is students that have grown up with the latest technology and collaboration tools will have strong opinions about what services they want to use. “We have historically found student uptake of some institutional systems requires extensive support and training. Students want to use systems that are powerful, contemporary, flexible, and familiar which don’t appear alien to their experience.” Solution...