Gouda, February 20, 2026 – ServerDirect has been awarded the contract for the renewal of the edge network infrastructure for the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) at the Amsterdam Science Park. The selection was based on technical quality, architectural vision, and the robust substantiation of the proposed solution.

With this project, ServerDirect strengthens its position as a permanent infrastructure partner within research, education, and high-performance environments, where reliability and continuity are fundamental requirements.

A Strategic Foundation for Research

ServerDirect has a long-standing history of collaboration with leading organizations in this domain, including:

• SURF
• ASTRON
• Erasmus MC
• Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

These are environments where data-intensive research, high-performance computing, and long-term research programs converge, and where infrastructure serves as a strategic foundation.

The CWI assignment involved the design, delivery, and implementation of a future-proof edge network infrastructure, fully integrated into the existing environment. The project focuses on:

1. Scalability: Growing alongside research demands.
2. Predictable Performance: Stability under heavy workloads.
3. Long-term Stability: Providing a foundation for years to come.

Network Infrastructure as a Research Pillar

Research institutes operate in environments where IT directly influences progress and collaboration. Growing data streams, higher speeds, and increasing complexity mean that network infrastructure is no longer a static layer, but an active part of the strategic IT architecture.

For CWI, this expansion was centered on strengthening the core foundation. The process focused on a redesign of the underlying architecture, with an emphasis on future-proofing, scalability, and manageability.

Quote from CWI (Carl Schultz, IT Manager at CWI):

We chose ServerDirect because of their proven experience within research and high-performance environments. They understand how architectural choices directly impact continuity and manageability. For us, it was essential to work with a partner who oversees the entire landscape and can substantiate choices with technical depth.

Architecture and Expertise from the Drawing Board

The project was shaped by ServerDirect through a lens of design and long-term thinking. The chosen approach focused on a robust, scalable architecture that integrates seamlessly into the existing research environment.

ServerDirect was responsible for the entire lifecycle:

• Architecture and technical development
• Delivery
• Implementation
• Knowledge transfer

Vision from ServerDirect

According to Fouad El Youssoufi, CEO of ServerDirect, this project highlights the expansion of their internal expertise.

Fouad El Youssoufi, CEO of ServerDirect:

Infrastructure in research environments demands a long-term vision. Architecture, scalability, and continuity must be central from the very first moment of design. In recent years, we have deliberately invested in specialized network experts who contribute and design from the drawing board. This allows us to combine delivery with substantive architectural strength. This tender was won based on content, substantiation, and the quality of the proposed solution.

Stability in a Shifting Infrastructure Market

the renewal at CWI reflects a broader trend within research and education environments. Data volumes are growing, workloads are becoming more intensive, and networks are shifting from pure connectivity to a strategic foundation.

With this award, ServerDirect confirms its role in this segment. By combining technical depth with vendor independence, specialized network knowledge, and full control from design to support, ServerDirect delivers infrastructure that performs predictably over the long term.

Strategic Collaboration with Dell Technologies

Throughout this process, there has been intensive collaboration with Dell Technologies to optimize the chosen network architecture both technically and operationally. The combination of Dell’s technology portfolio and ServerDirect’s architectural vision made it possible to realize a scalable, future-proof solution that integrates seamlessly into CWI’s existing research environment.

The collaboration was characterized by:

• Short lines of communication: Direct contact between all involved parties.
• Joint design sessions: Co-creation from the very first phase.
• Rapid technical alignment: Efficient decision-making at a substantive level.

In environments where stability and continuity are essential, close synergy between the integrator and the manufacturer is crucial.

Vision from the Manufacturer

According to Oscar ter Weeme, Account Executive for Higher Education & Research at Dell Technologies, this project serves as a prime example of a mature partnership:

"ServerDirect combines in-depth knowledge of research and high-performance environments with strong architectural expertise in the networking field. By collaborating intensively from the design phase onward, we have realized a solution that is both technically robust and future-oriented. This project underscores the power of our collaboration."

— Oscar ter Weeme, Account Executive Higher Education & Research at Dell Technologies