Officials at the Indianapolis International Airport have often worried about a weather disaster or accident bringing down the airport’s entire computer network, which controls everything from baggage claim to business records. They needed a network that could withstand a tornado or an accident—and also transfer easily to a new terminal under construction.

Staff members of BAA-Indianapolis, the company that operates the airport, presented the challenge to a group of Ball State students, who conducted an analysis of the technological infrastructure of the airport, focusing on potential applications of cluster computer technology. The students found that by spreading the information around to several computers they could keep the system running even if a part of the network is disabled, providing continuous service in an emergency.

“BAA was very supportive of our ideas, and the team was great to work with,” says recent graduate Zac Adkins.

A research paper about the real-world learning experience sponsored by Business Fellows earned two students—Zac Adkins and Howard Wickelman—a trip to Ireland, where they presented their paper and won top honors at the international student competition.

"The resulting proposal was as good as any professional consulting firm would have provided," says Fred Kitchens, associate professor of information systems.

The airport implemented the team’s award-winning proposal immediately, taking a few of the bumps out of air travel.