#Cyber Resilience #Switzerland #Hitachi Vantara #FHNW #Northwestern Switzerland

Swiss University's Data Revolution with Hitachi Vantara

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) has embraced a new era in data management. Collaborating with Hitachi Vantara, the university is modernizing its IT infrastructure to enhance data resilience and security, crucial for maintaining robust academic operations that serve over 14,000 students and 3,200 staff members.

A Unified Solution for Data Resilience

Hitachi Vantara, a leader in storage solutions, has introduced a hybrid cloud strategy that incorporates integrated block and object storage. This architecture connects on-premises systems and cloud services, fostering a seamless data environment that is resilient to cyber threats. The implementation, supported by Swiss IT service provider Sonio AG, exemplifies the university's commitment to safeguarding critical data against increasing cyber incidents.

FHNW's previous backup methods were time-consuming and often left data vulnerabilities open for exploitation. Now, with Hitachi's hybrid solution, the university reports backup speeds up to four times faster, alongside significantly reduced recovery times, shifting from days to mere minutes. This transformation not only expedites data access but also drives down costs and energy usage by approximately 40%.

Patrick Gebhard, System Engineer at FHNW, emphasizes the change: "Data is at the core of our academic functions. Before, restoring lost data was a cumbersome, manual task. Now, during user support sessions, we can efficiently recover data in minutes, leading to enhanced service quality and user satisfaction."

Ensuring Business Continuity

The university's new infrastructure integrates a Veeam Backup and Recovery solution with Hitachi's Virtual Storage Platform (VSP), providing robust primary backup capabilities. This integration ensures that backup data is stored immutably for a 30-day period—once data is backed up, it cannot be altered or deleted during this window. Consequently, FHNW has established a fully cyber-resilient backup system that guarantees the continuity of academic and administrative functions amid any potential disruptions.

Moreover, the architecture is poised to adapt to burgeoning operational needs while aligning with sustainability targets. The reduced energy consumption aligns perfectly with FHNW's green initiatives, contributing to their overall environmental objectives.

Michael Roth, General Manager of Hitachi Vantara Switzerland, states: "As organizations prioritize cyber resilience, our storage solutions pave the way for future-ready, scalable infrastructures that not only accommodate growing data demands but also bolster defenses against emerging threats."

Adopting Best Practices in Backup Management

With their new Hitachi storage infrastructure, the university can implement best practices in data management, specifically the 3-2-1 backup principle—maintaining three copies of data on two different media, with one copy stored offsite. Gebhard succinctly describes the benefits: "Our backup performance is enhanced, and our resilience against cyber threats is significantly fortified."

The collaboration with Sonio AG further ensures that FHNW's IT team can effectively navigate regulatory changes while fostering innovation within their operational framework. Sasa Gržinić from Sonio AG remarks, "Understanding FHNW's unique requirements allowed us to tailor Hitachi Vantara's object storage capabilities, leading to optimized operations that meet contemporary data demands."

The ongoing advancements in FHNW's IT infrastructure are indicative of a broader trend in academic institutions embracing innovative technology to enhance educational outcomes while ensuring data security and accessibility. With Hitachi Vantara's robust solutions in place, the university is well-positioned to meet future challenges head-on, fortifying both its academic mission and its commitment to a sustainable operational model.

For those looking to enhance their data management strategies, exploring Hitachi Vantara's storage solutions could be the stepping stone into a more resilient and efficient data-driven future.