Implementing VMWare's NSX to Improve Security and Leapfrog Legacy Institutional Technologies

Critical UNM applications still run on legacy infrastructure, as is the case at many institutions. As part of the data center redesign at UNM, IT@UNM spent more than a year on planning and design considerations for an architecture that leverages software defined networking (SDN) and microsegmentation. Ultimately, we implemented VMWare's NSX with Arista switching fabric. Implementing cutting-edge technology in parallel with our existing services was nearly as challenging as building the internal trust relationships required for such an engagement to succeed at reducing institutional risks. In this presentation, we'll highlight both the technical and the professional challenges and opportunities we experienced in this initiative.

OUTCOMES: Learn how UNM implemented this technology * Understand challenges with the many strategies for virtual networking in higher ed * Understand the critical importance of planning and professional relationship building required to implement such initiatives