Campus Technology Services

TechNews - May 2011

This is a summary of the activities supporting faculty, staff and student technology services at SUNY Oswego that occurred during April 2011.

Reminders

1. Routine Service Outage
   As part of Campus Technology Services' efforts to keep servers running at optimum levels, a regular maintenance period has been designated. From 6AM to 10AM on the second Sunday of each month, several services such as E-mail, editing of both departmental and personal web pageswill not be available. As it is Finals week we will not be performing maintenance this month.
   The next scheduled outage is Sunday, June 12th, 2011.
2. NYALERT
   For information on NYAlert: http://www.oswego.edu/administration/public_affairs/emergency/nyalert.html or
   visit http://www.suny.edu/SUNYALERTsec to sign up.
3. RAVE Guardian
   For information on Rave Guardian http://oswego.edu/student/blogs/?cat=11 or to sign up: https://www.getrave.com/login/oswego


Summer Project Planning
Campus Technology Services has changed its detail planning focus from projects that will occur during the Spring of 2011 to planning for projects to take place over the summer of 2011.

Technology Support Center
TSC continues to assist students with potential virus/malware issues on their machines.

Results from a ResNet survey sent to students living in the residence halls have been compiled.   We will be looking at ways we can try to improve the srevices.

LANDesk remote control and inventory are being incorporated into our HEAT ticketing system.  This will give us easy access to understanding the user's computer and requesting remote control of the user's computer all from within the ticketing system.  This will also be easier for our student workers.

We have finished our student recruitment efforts.  Eight new Technology Support Center student workers have been hired for the next academic year.  Training for them will start in August shortly before classes start.

Customer satisfaction surveys have been implemented.  Occasionally you may receive a request to fill out a survey to give us feedback on how your ticket was handled.  This will allow us to improve our services.

Are you on Facebook? Want to receive updates from CTS on new services, updates, system outages, and more? We recently created a “SUNY Oswego – Campus Technology Services” Facebook group. Become a fan and start receiving updates!

You can reach us by phone at 312.3456 or at 26 Lanigan Hall or our website.

Learning Management System
Please note that ANGEL is currently NOT compatible with Firefox 4 and IE 9.  SLN will be posting an announcement on ANGEL when they are deemed compatible.  If you have installed either or both Firefox 4 or IE 9, you may need to downgrade to continue to use ANGEL.  Please see the official announcement from SLN with links and information on downgrading at http://wiki.sln.suny.edu/display/SLNKB/SLN+Online+Course+Browser+Compatibility.

In light of Blackboard's future plans to transition ANGEL campuses to Blackboard, here are the pertitent facts and timeline today.

The final release of ANGEL, v 8.0, is expected to be released by mid-year 2011. Testing will need to occur before a decision on migration to version 8.0 is made. Blackboard has announced support for both ANGEL 7.4 (Oswego's current version) and version 8.0 will extend until October 2014.

The current contract for ANGEL licensing with Blackboard expires July  2012.  SUNY is in discussions with Blackboard to amend the existing contract to allow SUNY ANGEL campuses to continue to use ANGEL through 2014. Updates on this discussion are anticipated for the CIT conference, May 24-27, at SUNY Oneonta.

The SUNY Learning Network  is beginning a project to test the current version of the ANGEL to Blackboard migration tool, using courses from SUNY campuses. Selected courses will be tested to determine what level of campus and instructor modification would be needed in an ANGEL to Blackboard migration.

Data on other alternatives to Blackboard has been gathered and evaluated by DOODLE (Directors of Online and Distance Learning Environments). The report can be read at http://wiki.sln.suny.edu/display/LMSEVAL. Careful consideration to all possible options will be given.

Please check the ANGEL website for dates and times for spring workshops.

If you are interested in setting up a community group, please visit the ANGEL web site at www.oswego.edu/academics/angel. Community groups are limited to academic and/or university related activities only.

Professional Development
CTS workshops for the Spring semester have completed. We will be offering a few workshops over the summer timeframe for Office 2010 and migrating your personal website from OU Educate to LakerApps Sites. Look for the full schedule of workshops and online registration from our CTS training site.  CTS Workshops are freely available to all SUNY Oswego faculty, staff and students.

CTS will be participating in the CELT-sponsored Spring BreakOut sessions offering workshops on the following topics: Intro to MS Office 2010, LakerApps with your iPhone or Droid, LakerApps Q&A, LakerApps Sites, Intro to the Fall 2011 Elluminate Pilot Project, Putting the Control of Campus-Approved Software in Your Hands (an overview of the LANDesk Desktop Manager), and Converting VHS tapes to digital format.

Software News
CTS recently purchased a Microsoft Campus Agreement which allows Microsoft Office 2010 Professional Plus for PCs and Office 2011 Standard for Macs to be installed on all SUNY Oswego owned computers at no charge to departments/offices.  It also allows faculty and staff to purchase either Office 2010 or 2011 for their personal computer at a low price of $9.95 plus tax.
To get ready for a campus upgrade, CTS recently completed a pilot project with a variety of departments on campus.  Office 2010 or 2011 was installed on about about 16o machines spanning 9 departments and 1 student organization.  It was also installed on the 25 PCs in the Mahar 210 computer lab. This pilot was conducted during the spring semester to help CTS better understand and address any technical issues before upgrading the campus. The pilot completed successfully with minor issues.
We are looking to start upgrading the rest of the campus after graduation. Look for two campus announcements coming out in May.  The first will go out early May with information on getting ready for the upgrade.  Users will have the ability to update themselves when they are ready or CTS can work with departments that would like to upgrade all at once.
After graduation, another announcement will be sent out with details on how users and departments can start upgrading.  Information on how to purchase copies of the suite for personal computers will also be included.
It is hoped that all faculty and staff machines will be upgraded by the start of the fall semester.  General access and departmental computer labs will be  upgraded in the June/July timeframe.  Computers in the Advanced Technology Classrooms (ATCs) will be upgraded the last week of the summer.
Instructor led workshops will be available over the summer that cover features in the overall suite as well as new features in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  These same workshops will also be available as recordings within the CTS space of iTunes U.
To become familiar with interface changes and new features in the Office suites, please see the CTS Microsoft Office Upgrade site.

We are advising people to refrain from upgrading to Windows 7 as, currently, not all campus applications are compatible with it.

Microsoft is offering students a significantly reduced price on its Microsoft Office Ultimate 2010 software. The "Office Ultimate Steal" entitles eligible students to the Microsoft Office Ultimate 2010 software at a price of only $79.95. Microsoft's store price for the same software is $679.95! The Ultimate edition is packaged with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Groove, Publisher, Access, InfoPath, and Accounting Express. To determine if students qualify for the special price and to buy online visit www.theultimatesteal.com.

UBMicro has a great new site for purchasing various software products for your home machine. They include Microsoft Office and some of the Adobe products. Visit their site at http://www.ubmicrosuny.com/

Web Update
We are working on testing our many applications with the newly released Firefox 3 browser as well as Internet Explorer 8 and with the recent releases of Windows Internet Explorer 9 and Mozilla Firefox 4, Campus Technology Services (CTS) would like to inform everyone that these browsers are not yet fully compatible with some of the campus services that you need to access.

Specifically, the SUNY Learning Network has indicated that both of these browser updates are NOT compatible with ANGEL at this time. Sungard(myOswego)has also indicated that these browsers are not supported and users will has some inconsistent behavior. CTS will continue to evaluate other services on campus.

The use of an unsupported browser can result in inconsistent or unpredictable behavior when working in applications. You should refrain from updating at this time.

As soon as vendors update these applications for compatibility with these services, we will post
notices.

The OU Educate product for creating and maintaining personal websites will be decommissioned on June 30.  The small number of people using the product may migrate their site to LakerApps Sites or if their site is being used for class-related information, ANGEL.  Migration workshops are being offered every two weeks through the beginning of July.  The workshop will review LakerApps Sites and ANGEL and assist users in getting started migrating their content.  More information is available from the OU Educate web site.

Ingeniux trainings continue to be held.  Please check the Ingeniux training site for dates and times and online registration.

Desktop Support 

Technicians have continued to aid faculty, staff and students in resolving hardware, software, and account related issues. Since the beginning of April Campus Technology Services technicians have assisted in the resolution of 68 hardware, 102 software, and 32 account related support requests.

Enterprise Desktop Services Committee

Has continued its ongoing work with Landesk, the evaluation of Windows 7 compatibility, and preparations for the campus rollout of Microsoft Office 2010 (windows), and 2011 (macintosh).  During the month, EDSC has also been working with CTAB and the Applications sub-committee to prepare and validate computer images for the 2011/2012 academic year.

Equipment Deployments

Provided AV support for the following events

• Admission's Open Houses
• Quest
• Honor’s Convocation
• Sustainability Fair
• Campus Wide Emergency Alert Test
• Torchlight and Commencement Planning
• College Council
• Auxiliary Services’ Etiquette Dinner
• Penfield Library’s College of DuPage Teleconference: Library Futures: Staying Ahead of the Curve "Cataloging: New Perspectives" )
• Muslim Student Association
• Study abroad orientation
• Dig Safely Webinar
• School of Communications, Media and the Arts Open House
• Nathan Williams Memorial Service

• Hewitt Union ballroom A/V system
• School of Education surge and design
• New science building.
• Mahar classrooms
• Residence hall communications upgrade
• Emergency Outdoor Alert System
• Trouble shoot the Carrilon malfunction
• Contribute to video streaming goals and opportunities for campus

• Provided media operations training for faculty from Modern Languages and Literature, Curriculum and Instruction, Art
• Provided maintenance on WNYO transmitter and studio
• Evaluated new projectors to meet Graphic Art needs.
• Provided support for MKT467, BRC429, BRC129
• Provided maintenance and repair of Communication Studies studio and lab equipment
• Provide recording of missing basketball games for delivery to the NCAA

• Maintenance and repair of arena sound system
• Maintenance and repair of digital signage players
• Maintenance and update of Public Access content
• Lecture capture pilot of potential network solution

Banner 8/myOswego

• Adapted local orientation forms, SAAZSOP and SAAZSOA to include data previously used by the File Maker Pro system. This completes the CTS goal to move orientation scheduling processes from File Maker Pro to Banner.
• Adapted the myOswego Parent PLUS loan data collection link to include a confirmation page when the PLUS loan is accepted
• Adapted the new student course selection tool, ‘First Choice', to accommodate recent processing changes
• Banner Upgrades for General 8.4, Student 8.5, Alumni 8.4, WebTailor 8.4, Finance 8.5 (planning March installation on test database)
• Installed Banner Upgrades for General 8.4, Student 8.5, Alumni 8.4, WebTailor 8.4, Finance 8.5 on the test database. Completed modifications to baseline items that have been modified for local business processes. Production database install is scheduled for May 5, 2011

Document Imaging

• Information formatted from data files is being indexed by the Compass for advisement use, including student information sheets and math placement exam results and recommendations

Other Administrative Systems

• Continued testing and planning to allow myOswego login using the Laker NetID.
• Assisted Housing in with averaging lottery numbers for the Onondaga Hall selection and planning for automated summer room assignments and building access for students
• Worked with Institutional Research to set up and run FADS submission; assisted with TSDS submission; assisted in national survey reporting
• Integration of Graduate student application data from Intelliworks to Banner Student
• Non-degree applicant review
• Participated in discussions about improving the current student withdrawal process
•  Assisted Registrar's with planning for new business processes; adapted 7 programs
• Developed an Argos query for Financial Aid; assisted with annual reporting for IR
• Assisted Alumni Relations/Development with senior class initiatives and adapted 4 other programs as requested 
• Continued to assist Admissions with paperless application transitions
• Provided end user office support of R25 , SUNY HRMS system and Parking T2 system as required
• Continue installing Sophos in Culkin Hall
• Test applications on Windows 7
• Work on Handwritten ticket report for UP
• Move all UP desktop computers to CTS-DOMAIN
• Move Flex-apps server to CTS-DOMAIN
• Setup and test event log server
• Move UP-FS1 server to CTS-DOMAIN
• Remove trust relationship between OSUDPS and CTS-DOMAIN
• Setup Print server for testing and Setup 3 printers
• Move 7 ACC_SERVER computers to CTS-DOMAIN.

Future Development

• Banner Financial Aid 8.11 release and recent SICAS releases
• Replace the housing Judicial Officer with Conduct Coordinator
• Set up the Fusion Middleware (FMW)
• phase out jinitiator connections to Banner

 Telecommunications Projects

• Lanigan Hall IDF wiring closet disconnected
• Construction Trailer Build-Out
• Admissions Contact Center
• Networking Electrical Meters
• Res Hall floor phone installations
• nFrastructure VoIPassessment
• SOE relocation planning


Telecommunications Administration

• 81 Adds
• 4 Swaps
• 3 Changes
• 5 Disconnects
• 7 Moves
• Generate Monthly Bills.
• VM Audit
• Contact list audit
• Updating VOIP phones in Pinnacle

 Networking Updates

• Uploaded TownHouse C/D/E/F/I/J layouts into WCS and added defined coverage areas and doors/windows/obstacles to the maps
• Troubleshot a Sheldon access point with port errors, fixed wiring issue and updated port configuration and descriptions
• Replaced access points in Poucher basement with new model, reconfigured to connect to correct controllers, properly placed on WCS maps
• Worked on AirMagnet Planner data from Johnson 4^th floor survey for predicted AP locations and coverage areas
• Continued to test XpressConnect silent install options.  Ran into a couple of issues and e-mailed XPC support for further assistance/suggestions.
• Removed four DMCA blocks that were removed from WCS but were not updated on the controllers properly
• Worked on BizHub 423 series copier network configuration options, tested after configuring for network to ensure no broadcast or other sketchy traffic occurring from device or client with configured driver set. 
• Connected University Police BizHub network copier after testing other units
• Prepared end of semester ResNet hub collection bags, documentation and notification drafts, summer testing schedule
• Helped Trane connect 2 BACNET devices to the network in the Walker Lift Station and in Lee
• Installed new UPS units on new 30amp circuits in Mahar 4 North, Mahar 4 South, Mahar basement network closets
• Replaced failed battery in Oneida BDF UPS after a self-test of the unit failed and took building connectivity down.
• Worked on electrical meter list
• Troubleshot EtherChannel for Mahar 4 North closet - ended up being loose fiber patch in basement
• Created firewall rule  for Oracle access
• Created firewall rule for Banner DR
• Prepped and installed Wilber basement build-out switches for Park moves
• Patched all new data jacks for Wilber basement build-out for Park moves
• Installed replacement UPS for Wilber basement water damaged unit
• Removed all network equipment from Piez
• Troubleshot Metro Center Time Warner data outage, Time Warner ended up replacing the business class modem with a new one to fix the issue
• Several issues with IP phones not listening to DHCP/NAK responses from DHCP server after power outages.  Power cycling phones temporarily solves the issue until this can be further investigated
• Sentinel IPS demo installation and brief intro meeting
• Installed switch in triple-wide trailer and had to call Whiting-Turner support to get them to configure their FireBox VPN properly
• Connected Pike trailer VPN box
• Connected PAC trailer behind Sheldon
• Enabled additional debugging on analog gateways and DSP GW units to troubleshoot Higher One ATM issues with dialup
• Looked at wind turbine login issue to the netbook in Lee.  System is running Windows XP Home which doesn't allow remote desktop capabilities
• Product briefing from Cisco for NAC product updates and future product direction
• Converted all old 3550 switches over to TACACS+ authentication
• IP phone service and VM down during campus wide power outage.  VM and Culkin 1^st floor phone service outage caused by electrical circuit overload in Culkin machine room.  Temporarily moved our network switches in Dell racks to different UPS power circuit to maintain service during an outage until electricians fix circuit overload issues
• Fixed DNS on NS1 old, LDAP on NS1 old, monitor backup errors, verified all services on networking systems and wireless connectivity after campus wide power outage were functional
• XBOX/PS3/Wii/other registrations:  0
• DMCA take down notifications:  7
• Abuse Notifications:  14


 Staff News

• Extron Control System Training - Chuck Perkins, Bill Schleinitz
• Extron A/V Associate certification renewal -- Chuck Perkins
• Crestron DigitalMedia Certified Designer certification - Bob Hageny, Dave McQuin
• Educause Mobile Computer 5-day event - Dave McQuin,Greg Fuller,Andy Goldzweig
• demonstration of Degreeworks, an alternative for the Banner CAPP module- Fisk, Gosek,Moreau,Pisa
• NE ResNet conference at Canisius College - Matt Perez
• Apple's AcademiX webcast on Redefing the University Experience - Matt Perez
• Cabling Installation & Maintenance Webcast: 'In-Building Wireless Systems' - Dave James
• Cisco's Unified Contact Center Express (CCX) training - Tyrone Neuland 


 Phone Calls to the Technology Support Center (4/1/11-4/30/11): 824

Call Logging Statistics - 4/1- 4/30/2011