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New York campuses share information technology services

Two upstate State University of New York campuses have launched a program to share information technology services and facilities.

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A campus official called the partnership a “win-win.”

The University at Albany [2] and Hudson Valley Community College are the first of SUNY’s 64 campuses to share IT facilities. They’ll serve as each other’s secondary data centers under the agreement.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher launched a shared services initiative in August 2011. Since then, the university’s 64 campuses have partnered to generate more than $20 million in savings.

SUNY officials say the saved money is being reinvested in growing academic and student services.

The University of Albany in an announcement said the school will move its back-up physical and virtual servers, and network equipment, to the community college by the end of this year.

“We’re living in the digital age, and it’s critical to maintain computer information and services around the clock,” Hudson Valley President Andrew J. Matonak said. “Hudson Valley is delighted to partner with UAlbany as leaders in SUNY’s shared services initiative that’s enhancing efficiency and saving money.”

Christine Haile, Albany’s chief information officer (CIO), said the savings stemming from the partnership could some day soon be an example of other campuses looking to save money with strategic IT partnerships and investments.

“Having a secondary facility at an off-site location is very important economically, and is a best practice for each of the campuses,” Haile said in an announcement.

“This is a win-win for our institutions,” said Robert J. Jones, president of the University of Albany.