Using IT architecture to transform a local economy

Founded in 1925, the Università di Bari is located in the Puglia region of Italy. This institution of higher learning is organized into 12 colleges covering agricultural science; arts and philosophy; biotechnological sciences; economics; educational science; foreign languages and literature; law, mathematics, physics and natural science; medicine and surgery; pharmacy; political science; and veterinary medicine.

Leveraging IT to achieve groundbreaking business innovation

The Università di Bari is located in the southern Italian region of Puglia, an area with an economy primarily based on small and medium-sized agriculture and food product businesses. In an effort to sustain economic development for the area, the Università di Bari wanted to build a system that would help enable local fisherman, wine growers and others to contract for services through a portal that would enable them to decrease time-to-market, reduce transportation costs, reduce the amount of wasted products and improve overall product quality.


Empowering local business with world-class computing power

The Università di Bari worked with IBM to architect a complete IT transformation, deploying a cloud-based solution that leverages System z, IBM software, storage and Global Technology Services. This solution enables the University to deliver computing services to the local community through an IBM System z mainframe and cloud computing, allowing multiple entities to efficiently tap into heavy-duty computing power at minimal cost.


Integrating multiple workloads onto one server

Università di Bari leveraged unique System z virtualization technology features to integrate the workloads of several clients on to a single server with each workload running in its own virtual server. In addition, the IT infrastructure integrates sensor, market and GPS data with mainframe systems at the university, private sector and government regulatory agencies. This allows users to better monitor shipping via truck, improving efficiency and the accuracy of projected delivery timeframes.


Automating a wide range of hardware maintenance

Automation technology plays a large role in the solution implemented by Università di Bari. Many activities that need to be done manually and repeatedly in a distributed server farm only need to be done on System z or can be eliminated altogether, allowing the IT staff to focus instead on meeting changing client requirements for new or existing services. Additionally, the University of Bari has created a logistics solution for the trucking industry. Trucks installed with sensors transmit data on temperature, humidity levels, routes and traffic congestion through the cloud to be analyzed in real time by the IBM System z mainframe. The server automatically analyzes the resulting data, helping proactively determine potential maintenance issues or determine less congested traffic routes.


The security to instill local users with peace of mind

Security is at the core of System z design, allowing the platform to meet some of the highest levels of security certification in the industry. This enables Università di Bari to deploy each of their client’s workload in its own virtual server, knowing that it is isolated and independent from the other virtual servers in the system. Knowing that sensitive data and assets are secure and protected with System z leading cryptographic and encryption technologies provides Università di Bari’s clients with an unparalleled level of confidence.


Using cloud technology to transform industry operations

Università di Bari deployed their cloud computing solution on IBM System z technology. System z is specifically designed to run multiple workloads on a single server and for the deployment of mission critical applications and data serving. For example, using a touch screen installed on fishing boats, local fishermen can immediately determine demand in local fish markets. Fishermen enter the type of fish just caught and instantaneously start a virtual auction with wholesalers on the docks. If the price is acceptable, the system automatically provides the necessary distribution between boxes to allow the fish to be packed before the boat arrives at the pier.


Big benefits for small and medium-sized local businesses

The solution developed by Università di Bari IBM is offering new levels of opportunity to businesses in Bari and south Italy, helping decrease time-to-market and minimize transportation costs. They are also now able to more quickly and accurately assess demand for their products, sell them profitably or avoid wasting them by giving them to nonprofits.

By providing real-time status of transportation logistics and market demand for particular fish and wine products, local transportation companies can make adjustments for routes and deliveries. The solution also enables local fishing companies to begin product auctions in near real-time—literally creating demand while the fish are still being caught. Winemakers are also able to understand market demand for products and ensure environmental quality by monitoring soil isotopes.