University of Canberra partners with Nutanix to optimize cloud computing capabilities
The University of Canberra (UC) has teamed up with Nutanix to enhance its cloud computing capabilities and drive innovation in AI and Deep Learning. As part of the collaboration, UC implemented the NCM Cost Governance solution from Nutanix, which has resulted in significant cost savings and improved efficiency for the university’s IT department.
UC, founded in 1967, prides itself on offering immersive student experiences that lead to strong employment outcomes. The university has a rich history of pioneering research and innovation, with a particular focus on practical impact within the community. UC is home to leading research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics and the Health Research Institute. With over 15,500 students, academics, researchers, and professional staff, UC is a prominent educational institution in Australia’s capital.
UC’s cloud and network architecture already leveraged several elements of the Nutanix Cloud Platform. However, the recent implementation of the NCM Cost Governance solution has had an immediate impact on the university’s operations. Matt Carmichael, CIO of the University of Canberra, praised the tool for providing a single pane of glass to monitor usage across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, minimizing unexpected spending. The tool has helped UC identify instances where backups in Google Cloud were not appropriately aged out, preventing excessive billing.
Carmichael also highlighted the significant cost and infrastructure savings resulting from previous Nutanix implementations at the university. By utilizing Nutanix for private cloud deployment, UC was able to replace its disaster recovery datacenter with a micro datacenter, reducing space requirements from 24 racks to just three. This led to upfront financial savings of approximately $2 million, as well as ongoing operational cost reductions and energy usage optimization.
The consolidation of server and storage assets using Nutanix technology has also played a vital role in cost savings. UC successfully reduced these assets by 78%, resulting in a projected saving of over $1.5 million that would have otherwise been spent on new equipment.
The migration of workloads from traditional three-tier architecture to Nutanix has transformed UC’s IT infrastructure. Today, more than 90% of the university’s core applications, including student management, finance, human resources, and database systems, run on the Nutanix Cloud Platform. The transition to Nutanix not only enabled massive consolidation of hardware but also simplified management and support through seamless one-click upgrades.
UC’s partnership with Nutanix has also had a significant impact on the quality of teaching, particularly in the fields of AI and Deep Learning. The university recently introduced undergraduate specialist majors in Robotics, AI, and Data Science, along with advanced programs in these areas. Nutanix’s End User Computing (EUC) solution has provided students with flexible and remotely accessible teaching environments that eliminate the need for expensive terminals. Students can now access all the required computing resources using their regular laptops, significantly enhancing the learning experience.
Postgraduate researchers at UC, working at the Visual and Decision Analytics Lab (VIDEA) and the Australian Geospatial Health Lab (AGeoH-L), have also benefited from Nutanix’s platform. The ability to scale up or down as needed has simplified access to the computing power necessary for their research.
The University of Canberra’s initial adoption of Nutanix technology in 2013 marked the beginning of its digital transformation journey. Throughout this process, UC has relied on its technology partner, QIRX, who was instrumental in introducing Nutanix to the university. QIRX, an authorized Nutanix reseller, continues to provide stable support for UC’s evolving IT infrastructure.
Aaron White, General Manager and Vice President of Nutanix APJ, commended UC for its commitment to AI and Deep Learning innovation. As UC cultivates the next generation of innovators, White emphasized the importance of hands-on research in shaping the future of Australia.
The partnership between the University of Canberra and Nutanix represents a significant step forward in cloud computing capabilities and research-driven education. By leveraging Nutanix’s solutions, UC has experienced substantial cost savings, infrastructure optimization, and improved teaching and research environments. This collaboration exemplifies UC’s dedication to providing its students with the best possible education and preparing them for future success in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
