HCT implements Middle East first

Dubai’s Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) has become the first enterprise in the Middle East to implement HP ProCurve Networking’s 8200 core switch.

The 8200 is the only core switch in the industry to offer a lifetime warranty, according to ProCurve, and is aimed at ensuring high availability core competence. It allows HCT to have full interoperability with third party vendors and solutions and, by deploying Gigabit Ethernet to the desktop, HCT can fully utilise the bandwidth for the rollout of its multimedia applications. The switch is running on HCT’s converged network, which integrates the applications in use at HCT.

Dr Tayeb Kamali, vice-chancellor of HCT (pictured), said: “The Higher Colleges of Technology prides itself on being on the forefront and the leading edge of technologies, thus providing its students with unique opportunities to familiarise themselves with the latest and the best technologies. The roll-out of the new infrastructure demonstrates our commitment with proven and dependable networking solutions such as ProCurve to collaborate on new generation technologies, to deliver a constant stream of advanced services and solutions to enrich the teaching and learning experience of our students and faculty.”

Ivan Kraemer, regional general manager at HP ProCurve Networking Business also commented: “The new switch at HCT reiterates our commitment to the regional education sector and is testimony to our growing focus of powering the institutions with the best-available technology. The 8200 switch allows complete interoperability with other vendors and solutions such as IP telephony and further augments HCT’s teaching and learning environments. ProCurve is poised to take the education sector to the next level by providing solutions that bring students closer through proactive networking focused on innovation.”