Smart support the computerization project of the University of the Philippines (UP)

Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is providing Wi-Fi connectivity and access points to support the computerization project of the University of the Philippines (UP). In providing connectivity, Smart would help UP link all of its eight units, including the Open University, and help streamline the administrative processes across the system.

It complements the project of Smart’s sister-firm, ePLDT, which won the competitive bidding for the core programs needed to run the project. ePLDT will use different Oracle suits to support the university's management system although some parts of the software will be developed by UP itself.

The computerization of UP, dubbed the eUP Project, is a key initiative under UP’s Strategic Plan from 2011-2017 with the ultimate goal of making UP more competitive in the region as a national university. It would require a capital outlay from the government of about P752 million up to 2016. The project is seen completed by 2014.

UP officials said the project would provide an integrated, interconnected, harmonized and inter-operable ICT infrastructure across all UP campuses and units.

Smart and UP intend to collaborate for the design, implementation and deployment of various ICT projects across its various units.

They are also looking at cooperating in formulating solutions in line with the eUP goals of simplified operations, improved efficiency in transactions, reduced paperwork and optimal utilization of ICT resources, increased productivity, and extensive sharing of information.

“We believe that inspiration for breakthrough ideas can come from anywhere especially in an increasingly mobile world. We are not only supporting UP as the premier state university of the country but also its aspiration to be a top global university,” said Earl Martin S. Valencia, head of Smart Corporate Development and Innovation.

“Smart is committing to be a partner not just by providing wireless infrastructure, but also through education and development programs that benefit the students and the nation. This is part of our continuous support to students and universities as we have demonstrated in our SWEEP program,” said Valencia.

“The success of eUP is critical to bringing UP to a higher level of modernization. It would allow for streamlined operations and facilitate fast and easy access to reliable data needed for top-level decision and policy-making,” said UP President Alfredo E. Pascual at the recent eUP Project Kick-off in UP Diliman.

The eUP project covers processing of academic transactions; data sharing, collection and management; report generation and reliable interconnection among UP’s 15 campuses. It is seen to provide that enabling environment to support the university’s thrust for academic and operational excellence.

With the computerization, UP students can enroll, pay, apply for admission and scholarship, view grades, submit requirements and interact with teachers and fellow students online. Members of the faculty will have easier access to the latest research data. UP alumni can also request for their records online and have these processed fast.

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