It is evident that higher educational institutes in Ethiopia must prioritize the improvement of their data management and technology systems within their organizations. The importance of information cannot be overstated in these institutes, as they serve millions of students, teachers, and employees, and house numerous essential documents. Ethiopian higher educational institutes, including Arba Minch University, are now embracing technology systems and taking steps in the right direction. They demonstrate their commitment to modernization and aligning with global standards. This progress serves as an encouraging example for other institutions to advance in the technology sector.

As a leading company in the technology sector, IE Network Solutions has made a name for itself by successfully completing numerous projects for different organization over the course of its 15 years of experience. One notable project completed in this year was the “Datacenter Renovation” project at Arba Minch University, located in Arba Minch Ethiopia. This project received a prestigious award on January 11, 2021. The primary objective of the project was to address more flexible, easily manageable, and scalable network infrastructure for the university and optimizing the datacenter facilities.

The project has been signed with a total value of ETB 49,960,339.74 (ETB forty-nine million nine hundred sixty thousand three hundred thirty-nine) and including additional variations and supplementary works, bringing the overall project’s total worth 71,921,268.59 (ETB seventy-one million, nine hundred twenty-one thousand, two hundred sixty-eight point fifty-nine). And the actual implementation of the project commenced on March 31, 2021, in some causes the total period of time long into 27 months (2 years and 3 months). Although the initial timeline had projected completion within six months, this extended timeline was required due to the complexities and changes that arise during the project. 

To ensure the project’s success, a team of more than 25 highly skilled professionals was dedicated to the task. IE Network Solutions formed valuable partnerships with industry leaders like Huawei, Aruba, HIK Vision, Green Metal, Air Fire, Avalon, Huateng Access Floor, Double Arrow and Redington which played a crucial role in providing necessary materials. Cutting-edge equipment was sourced from renowned international suppliers in Italy, Dubai, China, and Turkey. These global partnerships facilitated access to the essential equipment needed for the successful renovation of the datacenter.

Naturally, the implementation of large projects often comes with its share of challenges. In this particular project, we encountered various difficulties including delays in forex approval and LC opening, market inflation affecting local supplies, delays in the customs clearance process, and payment delays as per the contractual agreements. Additionally, the project timeline was disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, through careful planning, proactive problem-solving, and effective communication, our team successfully overcame these challenges, ultimately ensuring the project was completed on time. We take immense pride in our pivotal role in the transformation of Arba Minch University’s datacenter. This project serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing technology in education. As we think about the success of this project, we are excited to see the long-term effects it will have on Arba Minch University.

Moreover, we are confident that this project will serve as an inspiration for other higher educational institutions across Ethiopia to embark on similar digitalization journeys. The Datacenter Renovation project at Arba Minch University has been great success, and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in making this project in successfully. This achievement will have long-lasting benefits for the university. We say thanks our valued client for trusting IE Network Solutions with this important task. Additionally, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the individuals and partners who contributed to the successful completion of this remarkable initiative.