UNE IT director decamps for UAE

The IT director of northwestern NSW academic institution the University of New England, Rob Irving, has announced his departure after seven years in the role.

British-born Irving is moving into the same position at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

At UNE, Irving delivered a large technology replacement program that included implementing a new core network with next-generation firewalls as well as improved wi-fi coverage on campus.

UNE was also connected to Australia's academic network, AARNet, with a 330 kilometre fibre-optic link.

Under Irving's tenure, UNE began using Facebook for Work as a collaboration tool for staff, replacing Yammer, with a claim to be the first university in the southern hemisphere to make use of the enterprise social network.

The university also implemented Skype for Business for staff and students in Australia.

"It’s not too often opportunities to live and work in the Middle East present themselves, and my wife and children love an adventure, so we have jumped at the opportunity and will live in the amazing city of Dubai," Irving said.