IT Infrastructure and Universities' Performance: Current Recommendations

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Founder of the company "E-prof: professional electronic education" and curator of the cluster "Higher Education" MMSO, previously held leadership positions in the field of informatization and organization of e-learning in a number of universities. He is an expert in the field of digitalization of education, as well as in the development of higher educational institutions, colleges and additional vocational education. Specialization includes the implementation of modern technologies in the educational process and the optimization of educational programs to increase their effectiveness.

With Alexander's permission, we are publishing his recent Facebook post with recommendations for universities to effectively operate in the new environment. Given the changes facing educational institutions, it is important to adapt approaches and methods of interaction. Alexander's recommendations will help universities optimize processes, improve the quality of education, and better respond to the challenges of the times.

As I conclude the day, I reflect on the events that have transpired. The day is complete, and we can take a breather and refocus on our thoughts and actions. Let's consider the topic of universities. What awaits us in the future? What should we prepare for with the same rigor as during the pandemic?

It is recommended to analyze and evaluate the possibility of migrating the entire IT infrastructure to open source solutions or alternative replacement technologies. This will reduce licensing costs and increase flexibility in system management. Open-source solutions often offer greater customization and integration options, which can significantly improve the performance and security of your infrastructure.

You should have a clear action plan for restoring essential services within a few days. This issue was discussed at MISU-2021, specifically in the session "Digital Transformation of Higher Education: New Reality and Expectations" and the discussion "Import Substitution in Higher Education: The Limits of Globalization."

It is recommended to thoroughly test the functionality of the entire network infrastructure when external communication channels are disconnected. This will help identify potential issues and ensure the stability of the internal network. Testing the infrastructure during a shutdown will ensure its reliability and readiness for operation in any situation.

It is necessary to assess the readiness of your local infrastructure, solutions, and services to function in conditions of limited internet access, including using only the local network. It is recommended to coordinate with the university management to hold a test day for testing, similar to what was done in ministries and departments. This will help identify potential problems and improve the resilience of systems in conditions of limited internet access.

It's important to recognize that you're in a critical area if your university conducts military-related research and development (R&D) or is involved in projects related to the creation of technologies for military use. This can impact the reputation of the institution and its students, and may also impose additional security and compliance requirements.

Organize safety drills, ensure keys to all shelters and fire escapes are available, and check the correct placement of signs and evacuation routes.

Test the effectiveness of power security systems and their ability to operate autonomously. Ensure that all components are functioning properly to ensure the reliability and continuity of the power supply. This is essential for ensuring resilience and safety in critical situations. Testing should include checking the operation of backup power supplies and automatic transfer systems.

Stock up on consumables and spare parts for a period of three months to a year. This will help you avoid delays in repairs, as longer lead times may be necessary in the future. Advance planning will ensure uninterrupted operations and reduce the risk of downtime.

Conduct outreach to security, staff, and student leaders. It's important to demonstrate patience, attentiveness, empathy, and humanity. These qualities are key to successfully overcoming difficult situations in the near future. An emphasis on emotional intelligence and interaction will create a more harmonious atmosphere and increase trust among all participants.

Human life is the highest value, and the task of higher education institutions is to ensure the safety and security of students. Universities must create an environment in which every student feels safe and confident. Ensuring the health and safety of students is the fundamental goal of educational institutions. The responsibility of universities is not only to impart knowledge, but also to care for the well-being of their students.

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Study additional materials:

• How universities combine offline and online formats
• "Students go to the university that they understand"
• Difficulties of the digital transition: Yandex report