University of Westminster commences implementation of LogRhythm to
enhance IT forensics and improve network stability
University of Westminster awards LogRhythm with log management, analysis and
event management contract
Maidenhead, 11 March 2009...The University of Westminster is implementing a log management, log
analysis and event management solution from LogRhythm (www.logrhythm.com), the company that
makes log data useful. The University anticipates that the new solution will reduce the time taken to
manage log data and perform IT forensics - ultimately improving network stability and up-time.
Formed in 1838 as Britain’s first polytechnic, the University of Westminster teaches more than 22,000
students undertaking degrees, Masters, research, professional programmes and short courses. With
over 5000 computers on its computer network, the University’s IT department faces a huge challenge
when it comes to managing the vast amount of log data generated on a daily basis. Lee Rose,
information systems network manager, University of Westminster explains:
“We used to record and analyse the University’s log data manually but this took up a huge proportion
of our IT resources. We recognised that a log management, analysis and event management solution
would automate and significantly streamline this process and bring greater efficiencies to the IT
department. We embarked on an extensive review process and conducted side by side testing of four
solutions in our live environment. Following this exhaustive evaluation in a very complex educational
environment, it soon became evident that LogRhythm lived up to our expectations for the solution
and vendor service. For example, not only was LogRhythm best placed to operate across the
University’s many IT platforms such as Novell, Unix and Microsoft, but it also offered a comprehensive
and easy to use solution for IT forensics and reporting. LogRhythm also took the time to listen to our
specific business requirements and develop the solution accordingly”
Implementation of LogRhythm commenced at the end of February 2009. Prior to this, the University
has been running LogRhythm in a proof of concept and is already seeing significant benefits,
particularly from an IT forensic perspective. For example, in the case of the recent Conficker virus,
the University used LogRhythm to view its entire network to see if the virus had infiltrated it and
quickly established that there were no irregularities. Before LogRhythm, carrying out an investigation
such as this would have been time consuming and labour intensive – regardless of a virus being
present or not.
Rose concludes: “By giving us greater visibility and control of our log data, we believe that LogRhythm
will be central to providing the University with a cleaner and more stable network on which to work
and study. LogRhythm will also make it quicker and easier to generate reports on network
performance which, because they are graphical, can be easily understood by non-IT proficient
members of the University staff. Finally, it will help ensure the University addresses regulatory
compliance such as PCI DSS and improve all round IT efficiency. LogRhythm has already
demonstrated a commitment to working with the University and we look forward to developing the
solution further with the company as our needs change over time.”
Ross Brewer, vice president and managing director EMEA, LogRhythm adds: “Unlike many
businesses that have been able to standardise on a single operating environment, the further
education and higher education sectors typically have to run all of the available IT platforms which
can make it hard to gain an integrated view across the entire network. Furthermore, without being
able to see the complete picture, there is a greater risk that incidents will slip off the radar. Education
establishments are recognising the value that LogRhythm can bring in helping them achieve greater
IT efficiency and improved network security.”
ENDS
About LogRhythm
LogRhythm provides enterprise-class log management, log analysis and event management in an
integrated solution that empowers organisations to comply with regulations, secure their networks,
and optimise IT operations. LogRhythm was positioned by Gartner Inc. in the visionaries quadrant of
the Security Information and Event Management Magic Quadrant report for 2007 and 2008, and has
received the recommended award and a Five Star rating from SC Magazine. LogRhythm is privately
held and based in Boulder, Colorado with European Headquarters located in Maidenhead, England.
For more information visit: www.logrhythm.com.
Editorial Contact:
A selection of images are available to accompany this press release. For more information please
contact:
Jillian Alexander
Tel: +44 (0)79 49 602 484
jillian@alexander-pr.co.uk