Real estate transformation strategy for University of Leicester
Founded in 1921, the University of Leicester is committed to international excellence, world-changing research and high quality, inspirational teaching. Keysource has been a partner since 2009, providing professional services, design and build projects, live upgrades and ongoing critical facilities management services. Together they have secured numerous prestigious awards.
Both Keysource and the University recognise that the Higher Education sector is undergoing a period of prolific digital transformation which is being driven by increasing demand from: Internet of Things (IoT); student services; research led high performance computing and utilisation of real estate assets.
Keysource was tasked with maximising the return from the University of Leicester’s real-estate, whilst also reviewing their IT Transformation strategy to ensure it has been optimised to overcome today’s challenges.
Keysource delivered a multi-disciplinary programme designed to engage all stakeholders at the University. The first stage involved a workshop to agree the strategic drivers and understand the IT service and system requirements, as well as the structure and resilience. The team then looked at likely capacity scenarios and requirements alongside budget availability and constraints. Finally, the project timescales, University project team requirements and risk analysis were documented.
Keysource then worked with the University on the various options available to them, including the development of technical requirements and a review of on-premise locations with cost modelling.
Project Highlights
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Keysource consultants supported the development of the University’s Master Plan, understanding that the technology infrastructure is a key part of the University of Leicester’s current real estate optimisation and regeneration programme.
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Consulted with stakeholders to ensure the strategic drivers were captured.
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Full evaluation of the current IT transformation strategy was carried out against this, with development recommendations provided.
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Cost modelling options and initial technical requirements were also provided to support decision making
“We selected Keysource as our data centre partner due to their extensive experience and understanding of higher education data centre operations, as well as the team’s track record for project delivery and ongoing critical facilities management. We have high expectations having worked with Keysourcefor 9 years and they didn’t let us down on this latest project, going above and beyond. In fact, they have been invaluable in helping us overcome thechallenges we face with this period of digital transformation. We would highly recommend Keysource and look forward to working with the team again.”
— Dr Chris Rudge, Head of Infrastructure, University of Leicester
