The University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP) is a vibrant hub for innovative businesses, located at the heart of the University’s Jubilee Campus. Spanning 60,000-ft2 of lettable space, UNIP offers commercial and collaborative facilities across multiple buildings, including the Sir Colin Campbell Building and the Ingenuity Centre. The park provides a blend of unique and modern architecture, creating an iconic setting for academia and innovation to flourish. Currently, UNIP hosts around 40 companies, all of whom rely on robust connectivity and telephone services to drive their operations forward.
University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP)
The Client
The Challenge
UNIP faced a complex challenge in providing high-quality internet and telephone services to its diverse group of tenants. The existing setup, managed by the University’s IT department, was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and scale. With plans for expansion, including the addition of the Castle Meadows buildings in 2024, UNIP needed a more efficient and flexible solution. The challenge was to find a provider who could not only meet their current needs but also accommodate future growth seamlessly.
The Solution
After careful consideration, UNIP Management Limited engaged Modern Networks, JISC‘s commercial subcontractor, to leverage the JANET network for providing commercial services to tenants. This decision was made for several compelling reasons:
- Rapid deployment: As a JISC partner, Modern Networks could connect directly to the superfast JANET network, eliminating the typical 60-90 day wait time associated with national carrier circuit installations.
- Enhanced connectivity: The direct connection to JANET allows UNIP tenants to connect seamlessly with other JANET-connected organisations, including academic institutions, research facilities, and service providers.
- Streamlined procurement: UNIP’s existing JISC arrangement meant they could avoid a lengthy and complex tendering process, saving valuable time and resources.
- Scalability: The solution offered by Modern Networks was designed to easily accommodate additional buildings and commercial customers across the University network, regardless of location.
- Utilisation of existing infrastructure: The solution took advantage of the University’s existing infrastructure and wireless network, minimising the need for additional hardware installations and reducing overall costs.
- Simplified administration: Modern Networks assumed responsibility for billing the tenants directly for their services, relieving the University of this administrative burden and associated costs.
The Implementation
The implementation process was a collaborative effort between the University of Nottingham IT department, JISC, and Modern Networks. The team developed a comprehensive technical and commercial solution to deliver internet and telephone services to UNIP tenants.
The project faced an unexpected challenge with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial face-to-face meetings with tenants were conducted before March 2020, but the team quickly adapted to virtual meetings via Teams after lockdown measures were implemented. Despite the delays caused by the pandemic, all parties worked tirelessly to ensure that tenants had functional internet connections upon their return to the office.
The Results
Modern Networks’ solution has resulted in several significant benefits for UNIP and its tenants:
- Improved connectivity: Tenants now enjoy reliable high-speed internet access through the JANET network, enabling fast connections for their day-to-day operations.
- Enhanced collaboration: The direct connection to other JANET-connected organisations facilitates easier collaboration between UNIP tenants and academic or research institutions.
- Scalability: The new infrastructure allows for seamless expansion, supporting UNIP’s growth plans and accommodating new tenants with ease.
- Streamlined management: By centralising connectivity and telephone services under Modern Networks, UNIP has reduced the administrative burden on its internal IT team.
- Future-proofing: The flexible solution ensures that UNIP can adapt to changing technological needs and continue to attract innovative businesses to its campus.
The partnership between UNIP, the University of Nottingham, JISC and Modern Networks has addressed the immediate connectivity challenges faced by the park and positioned it for future growth and success. By leveraging cutting-edge network solutions, UNIP continues to provide world-class services for businesses to innovate and thrive.
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