Grambling State University, a public historically black university in North Louisiana, faced challenges affecting operational efficiency and federal compliance. Their existing backup systems often failed, raising concerns over data integrity and recovery. Additionally, they struggled to comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), requiring stringent data protection measures.

The Challenge

With a small IT team of 14, including Jay J. Ellis, Chief Information Officer, Grambling State University found it difficult to manage and maintain their backup systems. The team was stretched thin, dealing with frequent failures and the threat of non-compliance with GLBA, risking severe penalties, including loss of federal funding.

The Solution

Assured Data Protection, in partnership with Freeit Data Solutions, implemented a comprehensive backup solution, providing both on-site and off-site backups to ensure data redundancy and security. This solution integrated with the university’s infrastructure, reducing data loss risk and ensuring quick recovery.

To support GLBA compliance, Assured Data Protection introduced measures, including a written information security program and a robust backup strategy. These steps ensured Grambling State University was prepared for audits and could protect sensitive financial data.

“Assured Data Protection has given us peace of mind with our data backups, ensuring we never have to worry about failed restorations again. Meeting GLBA compliance requirements has been seamless with the robust solutions and support from Assured Data Protection.” – Jay J. Ellis, Chief Information Officer.

A major benefit was the continuous monitoring and expert support from Assured Data Protection. The IT team received timely alerts about backup status, allowing them to swiftly address issues and focus on other critical operations like academic support and technology infrastructure.

The Results

The results were transformative. Data backup reliability improved significantly, maintaining the integrity of academic records and financial data. The university achieved full GLBA compliance, mitigating financial penalties and ensuring federal funding.

“Our IT team can now focus on enhancing other aspects of our technology infrastructure, knowing our data is secure and compliant.” – Jay J. Ellis, Chief Information Officer.

Overall, the operational efficiency of the IT department improved markedly. With the burden of backup management lifted, the team focused on strategic initiatives enhancing the educational experience. Assured Data Protection’s solutions provided a robust, reliable, and compliant data protection strategy, securing their data and supporting their mission of quality education.