Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (HR) is the largest university of applied sciences in the Netherlands and is growing fast, with over 39,000 students and 4,000 staff members. They formed the educational institute following a merger of 19 different schools in the region (initially the HTS in Dordrecht and Rotterdam and the HLO in Delft). In 2003, the University of Applied Sciences for Economic Studies joined this merger with the study program offering a wide range of courses in most education sectors.
State-of-the art
HR wants to offer its staff laptops, capable of providing the ultimate user experience and security. The University also continually strives to boost productivity and promote the interaction between teaching staff and students. To achieve this, it chose state-of-the-art technology, including the Microsoft Surface line of laptops in combination with Microsoft 365.
The University will conduct annual evaluations of other potential brands to add. The University wants to offer its staff personal devices based on a Choose Your Own Device concept, according to Eric Kerkdijk, IT Architect at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences:
“We consciously chose a CYOD approach so that staff can have a selection of devices to choose the one that meets their wishes and needs. This concept also ensures higher customer satisfaction that can help speed up the adoption and use of Microsoft 365. Microsoft offers an amazing solution, but the possibilities to distribute applications are still very limited with just the rollout and management of these new devices.”
Application Workspace works!
Kerkdijk explained the reasons for the long history with Recast Software Application Workspace when it was Liquit Workspace. At the time, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences had switched from Windows 7 to Windows 10 in 2016 for many reasons:
“We chose Application Workspace because it allowed us to distribute all the Windows applications. The platform has a lot of tools which enable you to install absolutely everything on a Windows PC. Another major advantage is that its Smart Icons enable you to distinguish between device, user, and location (context aware) so that a user only sees the applications we want him to see. We have great faith in the product because they continue to have their entire team based in the Netherlands, and we know the people behind the technology.”
When’s our turn?
In March 2019, the University with the technical organization and project management supported by Netherlands-based IT integration and consulting partner Netflex launched a pilot. In October 2019, the pilot project moved to the control phase. “The initial responses were very positive,” says Kerkdijk. Everyone is happy, productivity has increased and there’s better interaction between staff themselves and between staff and students. Over the next three years, everyone who is eligible chose a laptop.”
“Our IT department performs an annual evaluation among staff and students to check satisfaction with the services we deliver and whether there is anything we can improve on. Time will tell whether satisfaction remains at the current high level, but for now it’s looking good as we continue to move forward with Recast.”