Deployment enhances virtual learning performance while delivering major cost and operational gains
Jeddah University has successfully deployed the Nutanix Cloud Platform (NCP) to modernise its hybrid learning environment, significantly improving virtual classroom, lab and remote learning experiences while exceeding its cost-saving targets.
One of Saudi Arabia’s newest public universities, Jeddah University plays a key role in advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by promoting digitally driven, future-ready education. As part of its “New Saudi University Mission,” the institution emphasises collaboration, innovation and community impact—making secure, high-performance virtual desktops a critical requirement for students and faculty alike.
The university relies heavily on virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to support classes, research labs, collaboration and access to academic resources. However, rising operational costs, inconsistent performance and increasing IT complexity began to impact the user experience, prompting the university to reassess its approach.
“We decided to get ahead of these challenges by deploying a secure, scalable and high-performance virtual desktop platform,” said Hosam G. Mutir, Systems Engineer at Jeddah University. “While Nutanix’s leadership position in the Gartner Magic Quadrant was impressive, it was the strong recommendations from peers across Saudi Arabia that gave us the confidence to move forward.”
Following deployment, Nutanix integrated seamlessly with the university’s core systems, including its Learning Management System, Student Information System and productivity tools such as Microsoft Office. Performance and stability improved immediately, driving higher productivity and satisfaction among both students and staff.
Provisioning new VDI machines now takes less than three minutes, ensuring fast and reliable access to resources as enrolment grows. The university has reduced IT management overhead and operational effort by more than 45 percent, allowing teams to focus on innovation rather than maintenance. Overall operating costs have dropped by nearly 40 percent.
“We’ve seen improvements across every key metric—performance, scalability, security and ease of management,” Mutir added. “Our students are benefiting directly, and the cost savings have been remarkable.”
Looking ahead, Jeddah University plans to deepen its partnership with Nutanix as it explores next-generation technologies, including generative AI, reinforcing its ambition to help shape the future of higher education in the Kingdom.
