The University of Sunderland completes a secure, sustainable Windows 11 refresh

The University of Sunderland has 25,600 students based on campuses in the North-East, London and Hong Kong, and was shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2024.

Known for world-leading research and student experiences, the University has worked with Converge on end-user devices for over a decade – and has recently completed a significant Windows 11 upgrade project, replacing hundreds of staff devices across multiple sites.

Sustainability is an increasing focus, too: the University has recently held its first Sustainability Week, and Sunderland’s Environmental Sustainability Plan commits to decreasing waste, increasing reuse and reaching Net Zero Carbon for the full carbon footprint by 2050.

Bespoke IT and a seamless user experience

Michael Wilkinson is an IT Customer Service Manager at the University, and Ian Kirkwood is an IT Coordinator across two campuses. Both have been heavily involved in the Windows 11 project.

The project has seen the University invest in a wide selection of IT, including HP EliteBook 640 G11 laptops on the NDNA framework – and a selection of Converge Magma M1 Workstations and Magma M2 esports systems.

In the past, the University has also deployed HP All-in-One PCs, StonePC Lite desktops and Apple iMac devices. 

Wilkinson explained that the University has “taken recommendations from Converge” on the specs needed, and worked with Converge on Autopilot pre-provisioning to ensure that laptops arrived with all the software required.

The University also used free laser etching to have their logo added to each device – alongside serial numbers and warranty expiration dates. 

Ultimately, according to Wilkinson, “we provide an out-of-the-box experience for staff.” “And it’s a huge time saving. Previously, it would take two hours to set up devices, and we’d have a queue of jobs. Now we give someone a box, and that’s it – before they’d have been waiting for weeks.”

The University relies on Converge for security and versatility during deployments. “We use your bonded storage as well,” explained Wilkinson. “We’ll keep maybe 100 in storage while we’re bringing the rest to our sites. You’ve also delivered laptops directly to staff who work remotely – it’s a massive benefit. The process is brilliant.”

A positive environmental impact – and five-figure rebates

The day-to-day process works effectively. Kirkwood logs details of unwanted IT on the Stone 360 app, books a collection at a convenient time, and ensures the equipment is ready to go.

“We’ve never had any issues,” explained Kirkwood. “We often have lots of equipment across multiple sites, and you’ve had to send a lorry rather than a van – but the collections are great.” 

The University has completed over 45 IT recycling collections with Converge, which has meant over 47 metric tonnes of IT has been kept out of landfill.

Of the 7,233 devices collected, over 75% of those devices have been reused in some way – whether that’s through refurbishment, or by the components being deployed elsewhere.

The University has also earned over £26,000 of rebates by recycling qualifying units with Converge. That money has provided a much-needed boost to University budgets by reducing the price of new IT investments.

Wilkinson and Kirkwood consider Converge a vital part of their IT picture. “Getting a laptop to staff is quicker than it’s ever been,” explained Wilkinson. “You’ve always got stock, and we’ve always had a great experience. 

“You’re efficient, quick and easy to deal with,” said Kirkwood. “You get straight to the point.”

And Middlemass was just as effusive. “Sustainability is so important to us,” she said. “Reusing is something we want to embed across the university. Our partnership with Converge helps us to show other departments that it can be done, and we often use our work with Converge as an example.”