The decision to modernize its business applications was made five years ago but the university didn't want to go through the pain of ripping and replacing existing systems, or tackle a costly rewrite.

As a result the ANU chose to migrate off the mainframe onto a server-based platform to avoid any unpredictable outcomes or disruptions.

Originally, there were six critical applications running off the mainframe. All of these applications had been created in-house.

But in 1999, ANU implemented PeopleSoft for finance, HR and student administration.

This meant there was only two applications remaining on the mainframe which was hard to justify when it came to costs.