HP has announced that the University of New Mexico (UNM) has improved its network infrastructure performance and flexibility while cutting upgrade costs in half by implementing HP Networking solutions.

Part of HP’s Converged Infrastructure portfolio, which integrates data center technologies into pools of interoperable resources, HP networking solutions are enabling UNM to keep pace with campus expansion by providing students and faculty with secure, high-performing connectivity.

UNM needed a new network infrastructure that addressed these challenges and supported the needs of its newly remodeled high-tech basketball arena, The Pit. UNM now relies on HP network technology for video displays and digital signage throughout The Pit, where several 2011 NCAA Final Four playoff games will be played.

As the end of life for UNM’s existing network switches approached, the university extended a competitive bidding process to five vendors. UNM selected HP networking solutions, including the HP E4800 switch and the HP Intelligent Management Center network management platform for increased performance, single-pane-of-glass management and reduced total cost of ownership.

The HP Intelligent Management Center seamlessly integrated UNM’s existing multivendor network environment without network downtime during the upgrade. The new solution reduces the time required to implement network changes, enabling the university to rapidly deliver improved service to users. UNM’s IT staff now has improved monitoring of the campus network, speeding issue identification and resolution.

“With more than 32,000 students, 20,000 employees and a dozen remote campus locations state-wide, it is crucial that we generate the best performance and value from our technology investments,” said Mark Reynolds, interim director, Information Technology, UNM. “HP solutions enabled us to upgrade to next-generation network standards, better support campus growth and reduce total cost of ownership over the previous solution.”

Networking is a key component of HP Converged Infrastructure, which enables the Instant-On Enterprise. In a world of continuous connectivity, the Instant-On Enterprise embeds technology in everything it does to serve customers, employees, partners and students with whatever they need, instantly.