The recent deployment of 1,700 Dell OptiPlex 9030 All-in-One desktop PCs means that students can be more productive and access services more quickly, as well as reduce pressure on the university’s IT department with fewer support requests and calls.
With over 26,000 students, King’s College London is one of the world’s top research universities. As the marketplace becomes more competitive, more students are demanding high-quality IT provision for their studies. To meet this demand, the university needed to upgrade its network and its devices, as well as ensure compatibility with future operating systems and equipment. With only six weeks to complete deployment and integrate all the units into the existing IT infrastructure before the students returned from their summer vacation, the university also enlisted the help of Dell Deployment Services – including Client Installation Services, Asset Resale and Recycling and Managed Deployment Services – to complete the deployment by its deadline.
Following a tender through the National Desktop and Notebook Agreement (NDNA) framework against the likes of HP and Lenovo, King’s College London decided to deploy 1,700 Dell OptiPlex 9030 All-in-One touchscreen desktops. Engineered to be easy to set up, simple to use, and versatile, the clutter-reducing desktops offer a combination of an innovative chassis for easy repairs and automated software management tools such as Microsoft System Centre 2012 R2.
The university also chose the all-in-one PC for its energy efficiency, with the devices predicted to significantly reduce the university’s power consumption. In addition, the touchscreen capabilities and seamless performance of the OptiPlex 9030 All-in-One desktops proved popular with students and staff, allowing a more engaging learning experience for all. Easy-to-use and pre-installed programmes such as Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business has enabled clear, reliable communication across the University network, and has helped to boost adoption and project collaboration.
“Feedback on the deployment has been overwhelmingly positive, with students sharing their excitement over social media within hours,” said Gareth Wright, IT director, King’s College London. “Staff members have found the new devices invaluable in aiding their research, and some have even requested to purchase the models for their own personal use. The devices have increased the speed at which we can work and our IT team can now focus on forward-looking projects rather than fire-fighting desktop issues.”
“Throughout our portfolio of products, we strive to provide end users with the best computing experience possible,” said John Bailey, head of education, Dell UK. “As universities continue to provide world-class research across so many fields, students and staff alike are now able to collaborate on important work integrated and fully-managed solutions. We are committed to developing end-to-end strategies tailored to the unique needs of our customers so that students can develop the knowledge they need for future success.”
Picture courtesy of KCL and Chris White.