IBM Service Product Transforms Computing Environment at Cardiff University

IBM (NYSE: IBM), the world's leading information technology (IT) services provider, today announced that Cardiff University has selected IBM's Virtual Infrastructure Access service product as part of a pioneering agreement with IBM to deliver the Modern IT Working Environment (MWE), the university's largest transformational program to date. As part of the agreement, IBM will also design and implement a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for the MWE.

Cardiff, one of Britain's leading universities, is launching the MWE to help staff and students manage many aspects of their University life online. The user will access the MWE via a web browser which will provide individually tailored secure access to information, applications and business processes. This access, enabled through IBM's Virtual Infrastructure Access service product, will be available at any time of the day, from anywhere in the world and using any supported device.

The MWE will provide users with a personalized view of their working environment including their favorite software applications, data, news feeds and discussion groups. Students will be able to access information about their study and social life, including reading lists and timetables to social events and networking groups. Staff benefits will include information sharing using collaborative workspaces and reduction of paperwork through the use of web-based work processes.

Following an extensive evaluation process, the University selected IBM as its partner for the program. A contract has now been signed to develop and deliver this initiative over the next three years. This huge step forward in information enablement marks substantial further investment by the University in systems to support all staff and students.

"The Modern Working Environment will underpin a transition in the way we work at Cardiff and has an important role to play in delivering our vision for the University," said Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor Dr. David Grant. "It marks a major contribution to the University's world-class research, learning and teaching, and will further enhance the student experience at Cardiff."

"This is the most ambitious information technology-enabled change program undertaken so far by the University," added Martyn Harrow, Director of Information Services at Cardiff University. "We look forward to working with IBM and the wider University community to deliver this key initiative."

A highly skilled team of End User Services experts from IBM Global Technology Services will provide consultation, assessment, planning, design and implementation to help Cardiff deploy their Modern Working Environment. Version one of the MWE will be a phased roll-out of the basic tools for staff and students in 2007. IBM will implement the Virtual Infrastructure Access service product with IBM hardware including IBM BladeCenter systems and IBM System Storage. The SOA implementation will include IBM WebSphere, Lotus, Rational, and Tivoli software.

"IBM is delighted to work with Cardiff University to develop and implement a truly integrated end-to-end solution for the Modern Working Environment," said Elizabeth Smith, general manager, IBM Global Technology Services. "An SOA framework will enable the Cardiff community to collaborate and help deliver the vision of a world-class research, learning and teaching environment. IBM's new Virtual Infrastructure Access service product will provide Cardiff University researchers, students and staff security-rich access to applications, information and resources anytime, from virtually anywhere."

IBM's new Virtual Infrastructure Access service product is part of IBM's strategy to deliver traditional labor-based technology services in a manner more similar to the delivery of technology products. For more information about Virtual Infrastructure Access and other new service products from IBM, go to: www.ibm.com/services/spotlight .

About Cardiff University

Cardiff University is recognized in independent government assessments as one of Britain's leading teaching and research universities. Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, the University today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research with its proud heritage of service and achievement. The University's breadth of expertise in research and research-led teaching encompasses: the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; preparation for a wide range of professions; and a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning. From its outstanding central location amidst the parks, Portland-stone buildings and tree-lined avenues that form the city's elegant civic center, the University's students and staff are drawn from throughout the world, attracted by its international reputation and commitment to innovation and excellence in all areas of activity. Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of Britain's leading research universities. Having gained national and international standing, Cardiff University's vision is to be a world-class university and to achieve the associated benefits for its students, staff and all other stakeholders.