*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Contact: Juanita Appleby
DDI: 01327 302642
Email: JuanitaA@uppersystem.co.uk
USL notch up 25th Installation of inSORS Grid at University of Surrey
University of Surrey improve student experience with innovative software from U.S.
Daventry, Northamptonshire, UK - Upper System Ltd. (USL) announced that it has completed its 25th university installation of the inSORS Grid Node (IGN), an IP-based multimedia conferencing solution. This landmark project was for the University of Surrey (UniS).
The installation took place in UniS’ newly refurbished Department of Computing. Certain stages of testing involved support by videoconference from inSORS technicians in Chicago and “just one day after installation we were using the IGN on student recruitment events” according to Gary Dear, Computer Support Manager. Within 2 weeks of installation, Quality Assurance checks had been undertaken on the node by the Access Grid Support Centre (AGSC), Manchester, enabling UniS to make use of further services offered by AGSC.
The IGN is part of the Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF-3) programme of improvements at UniS, and will soon be supplemented by a High Performance Computing (HPC) system from a leading provider. According to Research Fellow Dr Lee Gillam, “Most existing UK IGNs are used for research activities, particularly within the e-Science community, to run distributed meetings and provide seminars, lectures, tutorials, and training. The Department intends to use this facility for increasing collaborative research activities and will be exploring the potential for improving the student experience on Surrey’s MSc degrees in Internet Computing and Information Systems, and in our portfolio of Undergraduate programmes”.
The Department’s SRIF-3 funding provides for significant computational and collaborative capabilities that will assist in major advances in provisions in the very near future, and according to Head of Department Professor Steve Schneider, “we look forward to the opportunities afforded by the IGN and the HPC equipment, allied to a range of activities that includes the IBM-led development of an MSc course focussed on the zSeries”.
USL worked closely with both inSORS and UniS to deliver this project. This involved the installation of a dual-xeon based workstation with a video capture card set to capture and convert 4 camera feeds into a live internet video stream, and a set of 3 projectors along with audio peripherals including 8 microphones. The streaming video is then transmitted over the university’s network and out through their internet connection to remote hosting centres at the AGSC and at inSORS Chicago; these servers control the conferencing rooms of all IGN users. This particular installation also includes an induction loop for the hard of hearing and wireless interactive whiteboard capability.
The Department of Computing chose inSORS for its leading reputation in the provision of these collaborative technologies, especially in the UK, and to ensure compatibility with existing IGN systems at other UK Universities and, importantly, with the first IGN installed at Surrey. Surrey’s first IGN, also installed by USL, was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). It was “the first [IGN] in a Department of Sociology anywhere in the world”, according to Sociology Professor Nigel Fielding, and is being used for virtual fieldwork and evaluated for e-Learning.
“Installation of Computing’s inSORS Grid Node highlights UniS' continued commitment to innovative research and teaching. The system will more easily allow communication of ideas both internally and with external organisations”, according to UniS’ Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor John Turner.
inSORS, based in Chicago with operations in Boston and New York, develops, markets, and supports enterprise collaboration software and solutions that enable multiple groups and individuals to collaborate via audio, video, and data modes of interaction.
The inSORS Grid solution provides an innovative, state-of-the-art conferencing and collaboration software platform. inSORS Grid solutions include client and venue software, documentation and technical support, and a comprehensive range of professional services including installation, network consulting, and training.
In 2003, inSORS introduced its product to the UK for the University and Enterprise markets. During this time, USL was approached to provide a comprehensive installation service.
“After interviewing several integrators, inSORS chose USL because of their professionalism and customer focus. We now work very closely with USL and continue to be impressed with their approach to Project Management and their installation practices.”, states Terry Burke Vice President and COO of inSORS Integrated Communications.
USL has installed inSORS Grid Platforms in over 18 University locations and is the only installer of these systems in the UK.
"We are pleased to have supported inSORS in the UK for some three years now. USL specialises in working for the IT Channel, providing a range of installation services across the country. The varied nature of an inSORS installation demonstrates the calibre of the USL engineering and project management team. However we can still provide this range of services at a cost effective rate, thus also providing value for money for the Universities.
This 25th system installation demonstrates our commitment both to our end users and to our channel partners, and we look forward to continuing and growing this relationship in coming years." comments Andrew Duck, Managing Director of USL.
USL continues to work with inSORS to integrate value add services to the inSORS Grid solution such as addressing security issues, meeting Disability Discrimination Act guidelines with induction loop systems and providing maintenance and support. A UK user forum dedicated to exploring techniques of using distance and collaborative learning is being organised by USL and i2a, inSORS UK distributor, along with input from the AGSC .
Note to the Editor:
For more information on inSORS, please contact Mark Lydon at mlydon@insors.com or visit www.insors.com.
For more information on UniS please contact Stuart Miller on 01483 689314
