Centralized Backup Solutions for Educational Institutions
At Epis Technology, we understand the critical need for robust data management and security solutions within educational environments. The University of Washington’s School of Social Work faced similar challenges and successfully implemented a centralized backup strategy using Synology’s Active Backup for Business. This case study explores how this solution streamlined their data backup operations, ensuring compliance with regulations while enhancing efficiency across their faculty and staff.
The Challenge: Unified Backup Strategy
Previously, the School of Social Work at UW relied on disparate backup methods, leading to inefficiencies and potential risks in data management. With over 200 faculty devices spread across campus and remote locations, their IT team encountered significant challenges in data recovery and compliance with FERPA regulations.
The Solution: Synology’s Active Backup for Business
To address these challenges, Robert Hendricks, the Web and Server Systems Manager, opted for Synology’s Active Backup for Business. Leveraging Synology’s expertise in storage solutions, the School deployed a DS3617xs with extensive storage capacity, complemented by a DS918+ for collaboration through Synology Drive.
Key Features Implemented:
- Centralized Backup: Achieved through Active Backup for Business, enabling seamless data protection across all endpoints.
Compliance: FERPA-compliant solution ensuring the security and privacy of student and client information.
Ease of Management: Integration with Active Directory and customizable backup templates streamlined deployment and management. - The Benefits: Efficiency and Protection
Reduced Workload and Enhanced Security
Implementing Synology’s solution significantly reduced the IT team’s workload. They could now perform bare-metal restorations swiftly, ensuring minimal downtime even in critical situations like device theft.
Enhanced Collaboration and File Sharing
By utilizing Synology Drive, the School facilitated secure collaboration both internally and externally, enabling efficient sharing of sensitive research files while maintaining data sovereignty.
Synology’s Active Backup for Business has proven instrumental in transforming the School of Social Work’s data management landscape. By consolidating their backup strategy and leveraging robust features for compliance and efficiency, UW has set a benchmark in educational data security and operational resilience.
For educational institutions looking to enhance their data management strategies, Synology offers a tailored solution that combines reliability, compliance, and ease of use, ensuring uninterrupted operations and peace of mind.
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