Cisco is implementing a storage area networking (SAN) solution for Melbourne's Holmesglen Institute of Technical and Further Education (TAFE), which will see the college provide internal email addresses for up to 55,000 students.

As a result of using the SAN solution from Cisco, and its technology partners, Hitachi Data Systems and IBM,
Holmesglen claims to have been able to boost data sharing and network access by 30%.

The technology, known as Small Computer System Interface over IP (iSCSI), allows Holmesglen to streamline its data sharing system, providing greater flexibility to grow the network as demand for online teaching and network access increases.

Holmesglen's Manager of Information Technology, Ron Gascoigne said; "One of the principal benefits of the new network is greater storage capacity, allowing internal email access for all students, something the old system was unable to facilitate. This will reduce student reliance on third party email, and make it easier for students and the TAFE to communicate. Furthermore, the SAN is also increasing network capacity from one terabyte to 5.5 Tb, helping Holmesglen to better satisfy student needs as they move towards online learning methods."

The network is significantly reducing and simplifying infrastructure requirements across the TAFE's three campuses. It is based on Cisco MDS 9216i switching technology, in concert with Hitachi's Thunder 9500V disk arrays, and IBM's eServer BladeCenter with two way Intel processor based blade server technology. Through the use of the SAN technology, Holmesglen is able to eliminate reliance on more traditional storage solutions, specifically by avoiding the need to deploy fibre channel switch blades within the IBM eServer BladeCenter servers. Another benefit of the SAN solution is the ability for Holmesglen to investigate off site storage and disaster recovery centres for the institution, delivering further operational and budget savings in the future. Resources required to manage the storage network have also been reduced delivering significant time and cost savings for Holmesglen.

Cisco managing director, Australia and New Zealand, Ross Fowler, said, "Cisco has worked closely with Holmesglen and our SAN technology partners to provide Holmesglen with the ability to bridge large distances in the network while lowering connectivity costs, without compromising network quality. SAN technology is a clear example of how organizations can use their IP networks to manage ever increasing amounts of data in an efficient manner."

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