Overview

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) faced the challenge of evolving its virtual desktop environment (VDE) to support the demands of a diverse student body and faculty. The university sought a robust solution that could deliver reliable access to essential software. One that accommodated hybrid and remote students and faculty all while meeting stringent cybersecurity standards. 

After encountering limitations with previous vendors, UMBC partnered with Propeller—a move that generated significant cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency.

The Challenge

UMBC required a virtual desktop solution that:

• Supported a broad range of instructional styles, including remote and hybrid learning.
• Provided 24/7 access to software for students and staff, regardless of location.
• Maintained high levels of security to comply with state and university regulations.
• Reduced the administrative burden on the IT department, freeing up resources for other critical initiatives.

Previously, UMBC had deployed VDEs through two other vendors, but both solutions fell short of expectations. One system, over a decade old, struggled to meet the university’s evolving needs, while the other’s offering was plagued by poor responsiveness and a lack of customization for academic purposes.

The Solution

UMBC’s transition to Propeller coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a sudden shift to remote learning. Propeller addressed UMBC’s specific needs with the following features:

• Student Accessibility: Propeller’s VDE enabled students to access essential software around the clock, from anywhere in the world. This was crucial during times when on-campus resources were unavailable.
• Support for Hybrid and Remote Work: Post-pandemic, as UMBC adopted a flexible work environment, Propeller ensured that staff could perform their duties securely and efficiently from remote locations.
• Fully Managed: Propeller’s team took over the administration of the VDE, allowing UMBC’s IT staff to focus on other priorities. Propeller’s rapid response to issues, often resolving them within hours, was a significant improvement over previous vendor experiences.
• Cost-Effectiveness: By eliminating the need for physical computer labs, Propeller helped UMBC achieve substantial cost savings in hardware, software, maintenance, and staff hours.

 

“Propeller understood what we needed and wanted––the openness of an academic environment, the security that’s required, and the crazy apps we run that perhaps a government or commercial institution wouldn’t.” – David Toothe, Director of the Division of Information Technology in Engineering at UMBC

 

Key Outcomes:

• $80,000 in Annual Hardware Savings Alone: Eliminating physical labs enabled UMBC to realize significant cost reductions.
• Increased Operational Efficiency: UMBC’s IT team enjoys a marked reduction in administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic projects.
• Enhanced Student Experience: With always available software and a decrease in technical issues, students gained an improved user experience.
• Faculty Adoption: Across multiple disciplines, UMBC faculty have embraced the virtual desktop environment, ensuring that students have the tools they need for success regardless of their location.

Implementation and Results

UMBC implemented Propeller’s VDE across several departments, including engineering, information technology, and liberal arts. The system’s flexibility allowed students to access specialized software on their personal devices, reducing the need for expensive hardware purchases.

The response from students and faculty has been overwhelmingly positive. Students value the 24/7 availability of university software, particularly during late-night study sessions. The system’s reliability and user-friendliness have also significantly decreased technical support requests.

Faculty, especially those in technology-intensive disciplines, have integrated Propeller into their teaching practices. Propeller collaborates closely with UMBC’s IT team to ensure software stays  up-to-date and readily available. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of these technologies, breaking down initial resistance and highlighting the benefits of a flexible learning environment.

 

“A faculty person let us know two days in advance that they wanted to run a class of 30 students using a particular application. With Propeller, timing has never been an issue. Typically, they answer within two or three hours.” – David Toothe

 

Conclusion

UMBC’s partnership with Propeller marks a strategic success, delivering flexible, secure, and cost-effective virtual desktop solutions. The university gains significant and ongoing budgetary benefits by reducing their technology and maintenance investments. More importantly, the collaboration has positioned UMBC as a leader in the adoption of innovative educational technologies.

Interested in learning more about Propeller’s virtual desktop environments for your school?

Contact me directly at jenny.morris@propeller.cloud or book a meeting on my calendar.