DoIT 2020 Highlights
High Performance Computing (HPC) Cluster Expansion
The main objective of this project is to expand the HPC Cluster infrastructure at the Data Center to meet the increased demand of computing HPC resources along with the requirements of UAEU’s researchers. The main benefits are:
- Improved efficiency in completing the task thereby making use of enhanced HPC resources.
- Minimize the pending jobs in the queue.
- Researchers can execute their jobs faster.
- Improve performance by adding additional CPU, Memory and Storage.
- Reuse the existing hardware infrastructure to the maximum possible level
Internet bandwidth
With more and more services migrating towards cloud such as Office 365, Citrix, eLearning etc., and student’s requirement to access rich and high-definition media at quicker speeds, and to provide academics with high quality video-conferencing and other bandwidth hungry applications, demanded more internet bandwidth. In order to cater with such pressing requirements and keeping in line any future expansion; DoIT decided to lay the infrastructure which will not only fulfill the current needs but is also ready to handle any other future demands. A major upgrade was done in regard to the internet. UAEU upgraded from 4GB to 6GB from Etisalat and the additional 2GB from Du was upgraded to 4GB. Therefore, UAEU stands at 10GB of internet access. This will allow users to access high content media at much higher speeds and with full redundancy (availability 99.9%).
Degree Work Upgrade
As part of the application performance monitoring and enhancement process, Degreework application has been upgraded to the latest release (version 5.0.4). This version brings enhancements in different levels which expected to enhance the application usage.
Performance Enhancements
- It provides better application performance, security and effective audit and planner engine functionality.
Interface Enhancements
- A complete shift in the user interface level; the UI has been transferred from classic dashboard view to a modern responsive dashboard.
- The responsive design of the application enhanced the application usage over device. It becomes more simplified and intuitive UI which ensure better user experience.
Features Ehnancements
- Student degree audits and what-if analysis are merged together to work flawlessly
- Academic planner is highly streamlined and becomes more self-descriptive while the power of audit and planner engines are preserved.
- Functionalities like template and exception management are enhanced and simplified.
- Controller, Scribe UI and Transit UI applications are revamped totally which enhance Application Administration.
DoIT Certifications
DoIT always strives to adhere and implement the best IT practices and international industry standards. In 2013, DoIT underwent a journey to be an ISO certified division.
DoIT was able to acquire not only one but two ISO certifications and has maintained them to this day. Certified in both ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information Security Management Systems and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Information Technology — Service Management; both certifications enable us to provide quality services to our users, deliver value, and ensure that the information security of assets are kept secure. In addition to that DoIT is also certified in ISO14644-1 Class 8 of Data Center Deep Cleaning.
From being ISO certified for the past couple of years, DoIT has seen the following benefits: 1. Ensuring process and quality improvements to the services provided by DoIT. 2. Customer requirements are met. 3. Increase efficient operating procedures. 4. More transparency in business operations. 5. Improving the division’s image and reputation.
In 2020, DoIT has taken another step in improving the quality of the services it provides to the UAEU community.
We have successfully transitioned to the new ISO/IEC 20000 standard and have initiated the obtaining of a new ISO standard within the division.
By implementing the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems in our Data Center, DoIT will ensure that our users get consistent, and good-quality products and services, which in turn brings many benefits to the university.
