Supported by the Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC), Ashesi completed a campus-wide audit of its I.T infrastructure. The audit, which involved a thorough assessment of the university’s general IT set-up, including internet throughput, security, network and IT practices, formed part of the university’s goal to provide quality world-class education.
“For good practice, from time to time, you need to review the operations and infrastructure you have,” said Ato Yawson of Ashesi’s IT Department. “However, it is important to have an external eye ensure your operations are working as expected, and also in line with global standards. So we partnered with the NSRC to run an external audit of our set-up.”
Founded on the basis of streamlining collaboration among engineers, local scientists and educators to improve global connectivity, the NSRC works with a diverse group of engineers with diverse experiences from different parts of the world, to advise institutions on best IT practices. They also work with institutions to facilitate the growth of sustainable internet infrastructure via technical training and engineering assistance to help institutions improve their network, connectivity and security.
Over the period, the team analyzed infrastructure at Ashesi, engaged with members of the IT team, and also interacted with end-users about their IT experience at Ashesi.
“Our main tasks were analyzing the design and performance of the network, testing the security of devices connected to it, and checking the wireless coverage,” said Brian Candler, who led the team’s audit. “The NSRC team worked closely with our friends at Ashesi, explaining our thought processes as we went. We were able to solve some problems and make some immediate improvements, and hopefully give the Ashesi IT team extra confidence to go forward with their future plans. We had a busy and constructive week, and I look forward to keeping in touch and hearing how Ashesi University College continues to grow and advance.”
“The audit helped give us an insight into ways we can further take advantage of the existing infrastructure we have,” said Yawson. “We were able to identify gaps in our systems and work out ways to address these while improving our security and internet connectivity. Besides proposing improved ways to some of our day to day IT-related activities, services and security, it was reassuring to know that we’re already doing a lot of things well. It was a good exercise, and a positive step in enriching the overall educational experience at Ashesi.”