DDI Automation Case Study: The American University in Cairo

The American University in Cairo (AUC) modernized its DNS, DHCP, and IPAM infrastructure with EfficientIP SOLIDserver DDI to improve network visibility, strengthen DNS security, automate operations, and support future multicloud and Zero Trust initiatives. The university needed a scalable and resilient solution capable of simplifying infrastructure management across hybrid environments while reducing operational complexity and improving service availability.

Project Objectives

The American University in Cairo aimed to modernize and secure its network infrastructure while supporting future digital transformation initiatives. The project focused on improving DNS security, operational efficiency, and scalability across hybrid and multicloud environments.

• Reduce exposure to DNS-based threats through improved visibility, policy enforcement, and protection mechanisms
• Improve service availability and resilience across multi-site campus infrastructure
• Increase network management efficiency with automation
• Ensure scalability for future network growth
• Enable digital transformation initiatives including multicloud and IoT adoption

Key Benefits

After implementing EfficientIP SOLIDserver DDI, AUC significantly improved network visibility, automation, and security while reducing operational complexity and administrative effort.

• Strengthened security through easier identification of suspicious behavior
• Significant cost reduction compared to legacy DDI vendors
• Noticeable reduction in administrative workload
• Faster VM provisioning and bulk network changes through automation
• Elimination of DNS and DHCP misconfigurations caused by manual processes

Situation and Challenges

Over the years, AUC faced increasing operational costs from legacy DDI solutions while network management became more complex due to limited visibility across hybrid environments. DNS, DHCP, and IPAM data remained siloed across separate tools, creating operational inefficiencies and making management more difficult.

Manual handling of IP addresses, DNS, and DHCP configurations led to misconfigurations and increased administrative burden. At the same time, the university needed to support large numbers of users and devices while preparing for multicloud and IoT expansion. Rising security risks and the increasing complexity of hybrid infrastructures added additional pressure on IT operations.

These challenges directly impacted business performance. Expansion had been constrained by difficulties scaling IP management across hybrid and multi-cloud setups, while productivity had declined due to slow, manual administrative processes like bulk changes and VM provisioning. Security issues caused by inconsistent policy enforcement or misconfigurations had increased the risk of downtime and exposure to DNS attacks.

The Selected EfficientIP Solution

AUC selected EfficientIP SOLIDserver DDI primarily for its architecture, high availability, and centralized network visibility. With two sites operating across different locations, the university was able to manage its infrastructure through a single interface while improving operational control.

The availability of core services—DNS, DHCP, and NTP—along with security controls to manage DNS attacks, detect suspicious activity, and set limits, played a major role in the decision process. The integrated reporting and visibility capabilities also helped strengthen network monitoring across both on-premises and cloud environments.

From a technical perspective, the migration was completed smoothly without downtime or business interruption. According to AUC, the EfficientIP team provided valuable support, best practices, and training throughout the implementation process.

“The EfficientIP team were highly knowledgeable. They improved our security and operations by applying best practices.”
— Ossama ElGedawy, Senior Security Manager, AUC

Main Results

Following the implementation of EfficientIP SOLIDserver DDI, AUC achieved significantly stronger network visibility and DNS security protection. The university can now better identify suspicious activity, understand blocked threats, and improve overall control across hybrid and multicloud environments.

“The EfficientIP SOLIDserver™ solution enhances our overall network security through stronger policy enforcement and DNS protection, while providing unified visibility across hybrid and multicloud environments.”
— Ossama ElGedawy, Senior Security Manager, AUC

AUC also achieved major operational improvements through automation and centralized management. According to the university, the solution reduced total cost of ownership while decreasing network management time by up to 50%. Bulk changes, VM provisioning, and network automation became significantly faster and more efficient.

The university additionally reduced operational risk by eliminating DNS and DHCP misconfigurations while improving scalability and customization capabilities for future growth.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, AUC plans to continue expanding its multicloud and hybrid cloud environments while accelerating digital transformation initiatives. The university is also preparing to adopt Zero Trust security models to further strengthen its overall security posture and improve infrastructure resilience.

Modernize Your DDI Infrastructure

EfficientIP helps organizations modernize DNS, DHCP, and IPAM management through centralized visibility, advanced automation, and integrated DNS security. Discover how SOLIDserver DDI simplifies hybrid multicloud operations while improving network resilience and operational efficiency.