Plugging the Digital Drain on the Campus Data Center
2007 was the tipping point for smartphones and probably the last time bandwidth needs on college campuses were fairly predictable. Business requirements then meant supporting administrative offices. Learning mainly called for connecting student and teacher computers. And on game day, people just watched the game. Today, IT pros are scrambling as unprecedented digital demand strains networks and overwhelms unprepared data centers. Digital Drain Things have really escalated in the last 5 years. I’ve heard a few IT pros from mid-sized colleges estimate a 900% increase in the number of connected devices they have to support. Campus Technology reports that higher education IT leaders are also preparing for the use of robotic telepresence and artificial intelligence, and reimagining education via immersive learning through VR and AR. Some universities are setting up highly connected innovation labs to enable “experiential learning.” These emerging, connected technologies will soon beco...