News
ViaWest is Grand Canyon University’s Choice for Both Data Center Provider & Partner
May 2015 by Marc Jacob
ViaWest announces Grand Canyon University (GCU) chose ViaWest’s Arizona data center to support its IT environment and to augment curriculum options for its computer science department. As one of two primary GCU data centers, ViaWest designed a data center solution that serves as a production environment, as well as a backup to their other data center. The ViaWest data center solution will support the campus’ online classes, student-facing portal, all email and chat functions, along with its vital CRM software.
Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University is a private, Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. GCU’s significant growth in its student body is expected to continue in the coming years and the University needs a way to grow efficiently, while also minimizing its carbon footprint. ViaWest worked in conjunction with one of its leading global real estate channel partners, Colliers International and its Technology Solutions Practice group on this project.
“The ViaWest team’s preparation and deep understanding of what we needed was a huge factor in selecting their Arizona data center,” states Mike Lacrosse , Sr. Director of Technology for Grand Canyon University. “They are not only providing the foundation for our data center solution, but also willing to fully commit themselves as a partner on Grand Canyon University’s core needs. Their team came up with innovative ideas to support the university and prepare students for work life, while gaining real-world experience in how technology impacts businesses today.”
“The collaboration between ViaWest and GCU is exciting, as we look for ways to elevate the University with high tech, innovative projects,” states Dale Miller, Director of Sales for ViaWest Arizona. “We are looking at ways to add value to their core curriculum and programs to show students how technology affects the workplace. In addition, we designed an infrastructure solution that can accommodate their high growth and truly leverage technology to propel GCU forward.”
ViaWest’s Arizona data center has 42,500 sq. ft. of raised floor capacity and features:
• 2(N+1) redundancy
• 5,400 kW UPS system capacity
• 250+ Watts/SF high density capability
• 100% Customer Satisfaction Commitment
• HIPAA and PCI compliant solutions
• Direct access to secure services including cloud computing, managed, security and hybrid configurations
As part of the GCU curriculum enhancements, ViaWest will offer internships to students working on advanced degree programs in computer science and will provide GCU the ability to offer tours of the facility showcasing a “day in the life of a data center,” all aimed at positively impacting their students and faculty.
