University of Sussex graduates to Software-Defined Storage

The IT department at the University of Sussex provides support for the entire university – 13,000 students and over 2,100 staff – with a single home directory service that enables users to access files from whatever device and operating system they are using, wherever they are on the campus.

With the original solution approaching the end of its useful life, the IT department needed to explore new solutions. Working with NAS UK to replace its existing system, the university looked at a number of options including sticking with the incumbent supplier, or switching to other solutions, including Nexenta. After weighing up all the options, Nexenta was selected because of its flexibility, scalability and attractive economics.

James Goodlet, head of infrastructure services, IT services, University of Sussex, explains: “Nexenta was actually the most cost effective but that wasn’t why we chose it. We got a really good feel from the company, talked with them extensively and did a thorough evaluation with their support. They even sent developers onto the campus to talk through some of the issues we saw. We were very impressed with that level of support and feedback. It’s unusual to have such an open relationship with a vendor.”

Alongside NexentaStor, the university chose Dell R720 servers which NAS UK arranged with particular SAS HBA cards and Solid State Disks (SSDs) to support optimal integration. The resulting solution delivered the performance the university sought, and paved the way for sustainable expansion. Indeed, as a result of the stability, scalability and performance of Nexenta, the University of Sussex’s IT department is now looking to other campus storage systems and even further opportunities to consolidate, increase speed, and grow efficiently.

Mark Jordan, VP and GM, EMEA at Nexenta, comments: “The Nexenta implementation marks a milestone for the university and a move towards an industry- leading, best of breed Software Defined data enterprise that will support the campus, its students and staff now and for the future.”