Computer Services 2009-2010 Wayne Bohm October 21, 2009
&
Telecommunications
Annual Report
Director
Mission Statement
The mission of the Computer Services Department is to provide support for the faculty, staff, and students of the University. This encompasses administrative and academic computer support; Local Area Network (LAN) support structure; microcomputer hardware and software support, Internet assistance, web design, telecommunications, and various software applications.
Information Technology Goals
Goal 1 Single Communication System Evolve the voice, data, and video conferencing systems into a single communication system. One set of cables will deliver all three data types. The integrated network would have the capability of supporting technology-ready classrooms, multimedia requirements, education on-demand to classrooms, and student apartment's requirements. The network will enable students to view a digitized version of a multimedia course on demand. They will be able to do this from a computer in the student apartment or from a computer lab. As this learning mode of education expands, it will provide students more flexibility in arranging their schedules and in selecting information sources that best meets their needs. Inexpensive access devices, such as handheld technology, will allow users to participate in various learning environments.
Goal 2 USI Campus Network - Future Increasing reliability of the network, mitigating emergencies, and lowering the cost of support are goals we are striving for. The demands for file server speed and space constantly expands to meet user demands through a continuous upgrade cycle for the file servers. Our next goal is to implement a backup server solution, which allows users to be dynamically switched to a second server if the primary one is down for upgrades or servicing. Also being explored are solutions that will allow faster and more reliable remote access, automatic distribution of licensed software, remote workstation control for support and troubleshooting, and enhanced monitoring to anticipate and prevent problems. All of these changes will increase reliability of the LAN, reduce the incidence of failure and lower the cost of support.
Goal 3 Wireless Technology Provide wireless Internet capability for the entire campus. Wireless technology will supplement the cabled infrastructure already in place. The wireless access will provide students with more flexibility in accessing educational data.
Goal 4 Web Implementation The Internet web would be used by distance education, on-campus, community services, administrative services, and faculty/staff development.
We also would like to continue to expand our administrative functions such as development of web services for users to access data applications. This would include applications such as: grading, registration, adding and dropping courses, telephone bills, financial aid, and integration with other systems.
Goal 5 Electronic Mail/Calendar/Visual Information Systems In the short term, provide a uniform, University-wide electronic mail, calendaring, and office automation environment to serve students, faculty, and staff. In the longer term, pilot an image-based visual information system.
Summary
With rapid technological growth there are greater demands on the University to keep pace with its telecommunications and computing infrastructure.
As we reach a degree of completion in campus infrastructure installation, we can envision the next step: new information capabilities. The focus is shifting from technology to information, not because technological issues have been solved but because we have laid the groundwork necessary to make substantial changes possible at USI.
This information is demanded by an increase in expectations on the parts of faculty, staff, and students. This demand appears to be stronger and broader than anticipated. Faculty and students are transitioning in their views of technology, where emphasis is shifting from the view that technology is primarily about providing new capabilities to an emphasis that instead highlights immediate results pertaining to their area of interest.
This includes a compounded interest and increasing demand for all types of technology services to be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. While the reasons for such requests and expectations are understood, the financial resources required for this type of "up" time are difficult to obtain. Such resources include hardware, software, training, and support staffing costs.
Overview
The Computer Services and Telecommunications Department consists of administrative applications, computer lab support, local area networks, microcomputer hardware, software maintenance, telephone service, phonemail, and data services.
I. ADMINISTRATIVE COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Banner -The Banner administrative software system will assist the University in furthering its mission as a broad-based institution offering instruction, research, and service. The system will provide an Internet based computing environment available 24/7 that enhances the operation of the University with a student-centric service model, improved customer service, timely access, and improved reporting capability. Modules included are: Document Imaging, Worlflow, Appworx, fsaAtlas, Darwin, Xtender, and Pocket Recruiter.
Academic Services consist of:
Student and Financial Aid Self Service allows students to find out when a class is being offered or who is teaching a class, register for classes, check on the progress of their financial aid application, and update their biographical information. Students can track their progress toward a degree with online Degree Audit.
Alumni & Friends Self Service provides an interactive, online interface to the administrative database. Constituents gain self-service access to information about former classmates and important events, while the university maintains tight security and protects institutional policies. Alumni are given the opportunity to update biographical data, make pledges and donations to the University and review their giving history.
Faculty & Advisor Self Service provides an interactive, online interface to the administrative database for grading and academic advising. All this can be done without compromising system security or institutional policies.
Employee Self Service provides an interactive, online interface to the administrative database for getting the most up-to-date answers to routine inquiries about individual personnel/payroll questions while also providing a way to review benefits and update personal data.
Finance Self Service This system takes input from several departments on campus and keeps track of accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, and purchasing.
II. ACADEMIC COMPUTER LABS
Computer Labs are the responsibility of the Academic Services Coordinator and the Academic Services Analysts.
There are currently 45 computer labs on campus encompassing 1,300 computers. Labs on campus offer the latest computers with access to Microsoft Office products, other software programs, and the Internet/email access.
The Academic Computer Labs consist of microcomputers for students. There is an AS400 Server, which can be accessed from any open lab and is primarily used in COBOL, RPG, and Database design classes. The microcomputer labs are networked, giving students access to high-speed printers and high-speed Internet connections.
Academic Lab Hardware Growth by PC Type
BY Type
| Year | 8088 | 286 | 386 | 486 | 586 | 1-2Ghz | 3Ghz | Macs | Server Terminals |
Total |
| Jul-93 | 28 | 0 | 144 | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 229 |
| Jul-94 | 1 | 2 | 16 | 230 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 296 |
| Jul-95 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 235 | 96 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 368 |
| Jul-96 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 232 | 146 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 440 |
| Jul-97 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 101 | 294 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 444 |
| Jul-98 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 86 | 321 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 0 | 456 |
| Jul-99 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 454 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 0 | 502 |
| Jul-00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 590 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 0 | 631 |
| Jul-01 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 597 | 20 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 637 |
| Jul-02 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 488 | 129 | 0 | 38 | 0 | 655 |
| Jul-03 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 305 | 672 | 0 | 38 | 0 | 1015 |
| Jul-04 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 305 | 672 | 0 | 38 | 0 | 1015 |
| Jul-05 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1082 | 21 | 38 | 0 | 1146 |
| Jul-06 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1027 | 138 | 38 | 35 | 1238 |
| Jul-07 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 871 | 395 | 41 | 35 | 1342 |
| Jul-08 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 526 | 867 | 57 | 35 | 1485 |
| Jul-09 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 72 | 1356 | 57 | 35 | 1520 |
By Percentage
| Year | 8088 | 286 | 386 | 486 | 586 | 1-2GHz | 3GHz | Macs | Server Terminals |
| Jul-93 | 12.23% | 0.00% | 62.88% | 21.83% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 3.06% | 0.00% |
| Jul-94 | 0.34% | 0.68% | 5.41% | 77.70% | 13.51% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 2.36% | 0.00% |
| Jul-95 | 0.27% | 0.54% | 1.63% | 63.86% | 26.09% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 7.61% | 0.00% |
| Jul-96 | 0.23% | 0.45% | 1.36% | 53.41% | 21.82% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 9.55% | 0.00% |
| Jul-97 | 0.23% | 0.45% | 0.90% | 22.75% | 66.22% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 9.46% | 0.00% |
| Jul-98 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.66% | 18.86% | 70.39% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 10.09% | 0.00% |
| Jul-99 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.39% | 90.44% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 8.17% | 0.00% |
| Jul-00 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 93.50% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 6.50% | 0.00% |
| Jul-01 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 93.72% | 3.14% | 0.00% | 3.14% | 0.00% |
| Jul-02 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 74.50% | 19.69% | 0.00% | 5.80% | 0.00% |
| Jul-03 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 30.05% | 66.21% | 0.00% | 3.74% | 0.00% |
| Jul-04 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 30.05% | 66.21% | 0.00% | 3.74% | 0.00% |
| Jul-05 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.44% | 94.42% | 1.83% | 3.32% | 0.00% |
| Jul-06 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 82.96% | 11.15% | 3.07% | 2.83% |
| Jul-07 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 64.90% | 29.43% | 3.06% | 2.61% |
| Jul-08 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 35.42% | 58.38% | 3.84% | 2.36% |
| Jul-09 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 4.74% | 89.21% | 3.75% | 2.30% |
III. LOCAL AREA NETWORK
The Local Area Network (LAN) at the University of Southern Indiana has undergone quite a few changes. The number of defined users on the LAN has grown to exceed 46,570 including faculty, staff, students, retirees and alumni. These users access a variety of servers that include Novell Netware, Windows, and Unix/Linux operating systems.
The Netware servers provide applications for word processing, spreadsheets, database, communications, and statistical analysis, among others. Several very specialized applications run on the Novell servers for specific departments. Running applications across the LAN helps to effectively share information and requests. Using the LAN to share expensive laser and color laser printers and digital copiers makes those resources available to an entire department, or even to the entire campus.
The Windows servers provide Internet applications and e-mail, as well as specialized departmental applications. Our homepage http://www.usi.edu/ provides the University a presence on the World Wide Web. Prospective students and their families can obtain information about USI, explore class offerings and requirements for admission or financial aid, and initiate contact with departments via electronic mail (e-mail). Credit classes defy distance as Web servers and list servers make the drive to campus a thing of the past for an increasing number of students. As the scope and ease of the Web continues to be demonstrated, more instructors and professors incorporate the Internet into daily classes. Their Web pages may list a class syllabus, assignments, and test dates in addition to providing electronic links to additional Web sites which students may find helpful or interesting.
Faculty and staff use Microsoft Outlook to read and send email, manage their calendar, tasks, and contacts. The mail server runs Microsoft Exchange. Users have access to a built-in calendar and access to their e-mail via the Internet.
The Unix/Linux servers provide student e-mail which allows students to post their own home pages on the Internet. Unix servers are the foundation for the library system Endeavor. Management and statistical data is collected and analyzed with applications running on Linux servers.
The LAN is linked with intelligent switches. Fiber optic cabling runs through the steam tunnels beneath the campus to connect the switches in the buildings together. The main switches have multiple adapters to which all fibers are connected. This is considered the LAN backbone. Also attached to these switches are most of the file servers mentioned above.
All of the switches located in various buildings communicate back to the Orr Center with Gigabit Ethernet. Gigabit Ethernet is capable of 10 Gigabit per second maximum transfer rate. This increased speed allows voice and video to be transmitted across the LAN.
Ethernet connections are available to students in the on-campus University housing. Students can connect their Ethernet adapter or a wireless card in their personal computer to the network for research, personal communications and entertainment. Connectivity is at the ratio of "1 port per pillow"; each student has an available connection.
The University now offers wireless Internet access throughout the entire campus, outdoors in the campus courtyards, and throughout Housing.
INTERNET ACCESS
USI receives internet access from I-Light2. This gives our faculty and staff access
to research, collaboration with peers at other institutions and information sources such
as supercomputers, and digital libraries and databases.
IV. Web Portal - MyUSI
MyUSI is a web portal to the many online school services that USI offers. The content the user sees in MyUSI is based on their role at the University (student, faculty, employee or alumnus). Users can access a calendar of USI events, and receive announcements specific to their role or major. Email and chat features specific to each USI class are also available. There are also services which allow users to view and update their personal information. Each user has their own calendar with class times and events for the groups they are involved with. Users can customize the news, sports, and weather as they wish. New features allow users to create or join special interest groups. There are also links to USI's Blackboard courseware and library services.
Summary Statistics for MYUSI
Maximum #: ........................... 1000
Typical #: .............................. 600-800
Accounts With Student Role: ............. 26,154
Accounts With Faculty Role: ..............1,282
Accounts With Employee Role: .............1,026
Accounts With Alumni Role: ...............10,264
Accounts With Guest Role: ................37
Student E-mail Service
E-mail accounts are offered at no cost to USI students. New students are assigned an e-mail address upon admission and can get their address by visiting either http://www.usi.edu/compctr/aboutus/www.usi.edu/webservices/people_serch/ or the Computer Center in the lower level of the Orr Center.
To send and receive e-mail, users must access MyUSI at http://www.usi.edu/start/. Once they log in using their username and password, they can get their email by clicking the e-mail icon at the top of the screen. MyUSI provides a simple email interface with a help facility. Users that need further assistance may call the Computer Center at 812/465-1080.
V. MICROCOMPUTER MAINTENANCE
The Computer Services Department provides support for the faculty, administrators, and students. Our maintenance area provides hardware and software support when something goes wrong with University owned equipment. For Administrative and Academic Computer Support, maintenance personnel will assist with the relocation of University owned equipment and any recommendations on computing platforms and requirements. Also, there is assistance and training for presentations, test scoring, Internet assistance, and various software applications.
Summary Computer Hardware Growth by PC Type
| 8088 | 286 | 386 | 486 | 586 | 1-2Ghz | 3Ghz+ | Macs | Total | |
| 1994 | 278 | 119 | 267 | 171 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 836 |
| 1995 | 244 | 86 | 287 | 314 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 957 |
| 1996 | 71 | 88 | 275 | 517 | 117 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 1115 |
| 1997 | 22 | 43 | 267 | 635 | 332 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 1364 |
| 1998 | 13 | 28 | 96 | 598 | 659 | 0 | 0 | 72 | 1466 |
| 1999 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 136 | 1463 | 0 | 0 | 88 | 1697 |
| 2000 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 46 | 1983 | 0 | 0 | 113 | 2144 |
| 2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 1963 | 52 | 0 | 103 | 2152 |
| 2002 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 1974 | 94 | 0 | 110 | 2201 |
| 2003 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 1681 | 1063 | 0 | 127 | 2899 |
| 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 879 | 2148 | 35 | 125 | 3204 |
| 2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 547 | 2562 | 102 | 159 | 3384 |
| 2006 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 327 | 2487 | 633 | 144 | 3600 |
| 2007 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 192 | 2302 | 925 | 157 | 3582 |
| 2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 114 | 1627 | 1689 | 169 | 3602 |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 94 | 1146 | 2854 | 268 | 4362 |
Percentage Summary
| 8088 | 286 | 386 | 486 | 586 | 1-2Ghz | 3GHz+ | Macs | |
| 1994 | 33.25% | 14.23% | 31.94% | 20.45% | 0.12% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| 1995 | 25.50% | 8.99% | 29.99% | 32.81% | 0.73% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.99% |
| 1996 | 6.37% | 7.89% | 24.66% | 46.37% | 10.49% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 4.22% |
| 1997 | 1.61% | 3.15% | 19.57% | 46.55% | 24.34% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 4.77% |
| 1998 | 0.89% | 1.91% | 6.55% | 40.79% | 44.95% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 4.91% |
| 1999 | 0.06% | 0.35% | 0.18% | 8.01% | 86.21% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 5.19% |
| 2000 | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 2.15% | 92.49% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 5.27% |
| 2001 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.58% | 91.22% | 2.42% | 0.00% | 4.79% |
| 2002 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.04% | 89.69% | 4.27% | 0.00% | 5.00% |
| 2003 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.97% | 57.99% | 36.67% | 0.00% | 4.38% |
| 2004 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.53% | 27.43% | 67.04% | 1.09% | 3.90% |
| 2005 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.50% | 25.98% | 63.48% | 1.03% | 3.69% |
| 2006 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.41% | 16.16% | 75.71% | 3.01% | 4.70% |
| 2007 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.17% | 5.36% | 64.27% | 25.82% | 4.38% |
| 2008 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.08% | 3.18% | 45.42% | 47.15% | 4.72% |
| 2009 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 2.62% | 31.99% | 79.68% | 7.48% |
Summary of Computer Hardware Growth
| PCs | CRTs | Printers | Misc | Total | |
| 1987 | 182 | 99 | 172 | 0 | 453 |
| 1988 | 205 | 106 | 180 | 0 | 491 |
| 1989 | 194 | 144 | 197 | 0 | 535 |
| 1990 | 348 | 153 | 282 | 0 | 783 |
| 1991 | 463 | 151 | 302 | 29 | 945 |
| 1992 | 508 | 155 | 317 | 31 | 1011 |
| 1993 | 714 | 190 | 456 | 50 | 1410 |
| 1994 | 836 | 190 | 466 | 50 | 1542 |
| 1995 | 957 | 127 | 486 | 50 | 1620 |
| 1996 | 1115 | 124 | 484 | 57 | 1780 |
| 1997 | 1364 | 75 | 493 | 23 | 1955 |
| 1998 | 1466 | 52 | 505 | 24 | 2047 |
| 1999 | 1697 | 48 | 616 | 25 | 2386 |
| 2000 | 2144 | 35 | 568 | 47 | 2794 |
| 2001 | 2152 | 34 | 653 | 70 | 2909 |
| 2002 | 2201 | 33 | 711 | 84 | 3029 |
| 2003 | 2899 | 27 | 880 | 125 | 3931 |
| 2004 | 3204 | 27 | 907 | 121 | 4259 |
| 2005 | 3384 | 25 | 938 | 144 | 4491 |
| 2006 | 3600 | 0 | 965 | 147 | 4712 |
| 2007 | 3582 | 0 | 963 | 140 | 4685 |
| 2008 | 3602 | 0 | 949 | 149 | 4700 |
| 2009 | 4365 | 0 | 554 | 113 | 5032 |
VI. TELECOMMUNICATIONS
VOIP (voice over IP phones)
In April 2002, the University of Southern Indiana deployed a Cisco AVVID IP
Phone System as a pilot system within the Computer Center. The University was
looking at the system as a means to provide advance functionality to its user
community while controlling cost. Approximately 40 people from within the Computer
Center were chosen to take part in the test. The IP phones were deployed and used
along with the existing Siemens phones. After training was performed in early May,
the final cut over to the Cisco AVVID system was made.
With the decisions of the network direction being made, it was time to start putting the components together. The initial system was composed of a Call Manager version 3.2, two Cisco 3524-pwr switches, 20 Cisco 7960 phones, 20 Cisco 7940 phones, and a VG-200 as a gateway to the existing Siemens phone system.
After the initial fine-tuning was performed, it was decided for USI to take advantage of features that would deploy Cisco's Unity Voice messaging system. In mid August of 2003 the pilot system was expanded to include a few members of the Science/Math and Education departments. The next significant upgrade came in December of 2003 when the Computer Center upgraded the Unity voice messaging system to a Unified messaging system. As part of this process, we connected the Unity-UM system to our Exchange email system, which enables our users to retrieve, forward, and delete their messages from their computer over the Internet. This upgrade also enables our users to listen to their emails while on the road via a phone.
Usage
On an average day, the communication system processes 30,000 off-campus calls.
Presently, USI's communication server (switch) is connected to the public network,
and the state SUVON network with digital T1 technology.
To support this traffic, we presently have 10 T1's installed. As traffic patterns and usage levels have changed we have had to adjust the trunking arrangements. Some of the factors affecting these changes are the addition of new Residence Halls and campus buildings.
| |
|||||||||
| Trunk Type | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
| DID | 103 | 115 | 114 | 114 | 93 | 93 | 93 | 0 | 0 |
| Locals | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 0 | 0 |
| Credit Card | 25 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| SUVON | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Long Distance | 48 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| PRI | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 230 | 230 |
| 2007 | |
| Digital Phones | 1839 |
| Analog Phones | 319 |
| VOIP Phones | 214 |
| VOIP Analog | 390 |
VII. Microsoft Software
Microsoft Exchange 2003 E-mail system has proven successful for the faculty/staff this past year. Each employee can use a mail client they are familiar with, many use Microsoft Outlook. The web based client (OWA) is also available. Exchange allows sharing of calendar information and tasks, along with public folders and Outlook forms.
Our software lease program enables faculty/staff to lease software to use at home. Our present contract includes, Office 2007 Suites, Vista, Office Mac V10, and 2004 Mac.
| Microsoft Exchange Stats | ||||||||||
| 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
| #mailboxes | 904 | 1004 | 1083 | 1262 | 1326 | 1412 | 1390 | 1414 | 1523 | 1649 |
| #generic mailboxes | 55 | 83 | 110 | 131 | 136 | 141 | 151 | 122 | 141 | 154 |
| #distribution lists | 57 | 61 | 69 | 73 | 75 | 98 | 102 | 122 | 128 | 158 |
| #large mailboxes | 21 | 43 | 71 | 162 | * 50 | 62 | 89 | ** 35 | 13 | ***6 |
| * We increased the default size from 15MB to 25MB. ** We increased the default size from 25MB to 35MB *** We increased the default size to 150MB |
||||||||||
VIII. Web Services
USI Web Services assists academic and administrative departments/units that need a high-quality Web site. Services include site architecture and design, site review and analysis, and general consultation and training to assist departments in managing their site.
IX. Rice Library
Servers
Voyager
Voyager is a fully integrated library management system utilizing Oracle's DBMS.
The application is implemented using a SUN Fire V890 server (purchased in Spring 2005)
with 4@ 1.35 GHz CPU, 16 GB memory, 6 ea. @ 146 GB HDD (RAID 0) w/ a dual channel
100 MB/s optical interface.
Proxy
In a continuing effort to provide enhanced services to the USI students and staff,
and especially with the recent growth of distance education, the Rice Library provides
remote access to electronic resources through the use of a Proxy server.
Utilizing a software package called EZ Proxy the Proxy server provides access to online electronic resources for remote library patrons. Currently running on a HP model DL360 G5 server w/2 @ 3.0 GHz CPU, 4 GB memory, 3 @ 146 GB HDD (RAID 5). The server was purchased in summer of 2007. The application runs on Windows Server 2003.
WSUS (system update software)
In preparation for the new library building (completed in 2006), the library
began a program for remote administration of all desktop computers. One step in
this process is the introduction of Windows System Update Software (WSUS). This
system continually keeps all library computers current with critical updates to the
operating system to protect against viruses and malicious activity. Currently, 2 servers
support this program, 1 for staff machines, and 1 for public machines. The software
was updated summer 2007 to WSUS version 3.0
NAS
The addition of a Network Attached Storage (NAS) unit is an additional step
in the remote administration program. This unit serves as a repository for all
ghost images used by library support staff. This unit serves as a tool to efficiently
restore the operating system and applications on all library computers.
In addition, the NAS server is an archive for all library staff data. This data is further backed up onto tape. Hardware implementation is achieved through the use of a HP server, model DL360 G5 w/ a 3.0 GHz CPU, 1 GB memory, 876 GB HDD, and a 2 Gateway model 820 LTO3 autoloaders.
Workstations
* Note: All computers have Windows XP, Office 2007 and all critical updates.
Public Computers
Staff Computers
Services
eReserves
The David L. Rice library currently offers this service to University students.
It is an Internet document delivery system that currently resides on the Voyager server.
The system facilitates the distribution of course material via the Internet.
The library expanded this program in 2004 to offer several CBT courses and continually re-evaluates their offerings.
ILL (InterLibrary Loan)
The David L. Rice library offers this service in conjunction with other participating
academic and public libraries. In summer 2004, the library began using Ariel as a
transport program, as well as the continued use of Clio.†In summer 2006, the library
added the Illiad system of interlibrary loan. Currently, Interlibrary loan (ILL)
materials are offered for delivery to the USI community via the Internet.
Subscription Databases/eJournals
The David L. Rice library continually increases their online database offerings, and
in an effort to provide these services to remote and distance education students,
continued development of a delivery system is ongoing.†This system is an effort to
keep abreast of technology and provide a true virtual library to the university community.
†At present, the library offers more than:
1. 100+ online databases.
2. 30,000+ e-journals
3. 2,500+ e-books
USI Computer Center Historical Perspective
1989-1990
Upgraded academic IBM 4361 to IBM 4381.
The network ATM backbone was expanded to accommodate additional traffic.
Installed an Edify web interface for student access to mainframe data.
Upgraded HRS to 4.1.
Implemented a new email system (Outlook on Exchange Server).
Converted standard classroom, OC2039, to a 33 station computerized classroom.
Converted standard classroom, OC2017, to an 18 station computerized classroom.
Installed ceiling mounted INFOCUS projection units in three Forum Lecture halls, and
OC2039, OC2036, and OC2017.
Created USI virtual tour on Internet web page.
System Upgrades
Mailman: We have been using Majordomo mailing list software ever since we
switched to the ListServ several years ago. Majordomo is tedious to use and
maintain. All administrative commands were sent in plain text through the email and
users were able to use Sendmail Mailman was installed instead and used as our current
listserver package. It is much easier to use and maintain and make use of the postfixes
robust aliasing
IPAudit
IPAudit was installed on server. IPaudit web logs network activity maintains traffic
summaries and presents Web-accessible graphs, reports, and showing network usage.
Snort
Snort is an open source network intrusion detection system. Several test boxes were
setup The two later versions had PHP, MySQL logging and graphing. Password Reset
functions - built and installed for Luminis. The system now allows users to save 5
questions and the answers for later recall to verify identity and allow self service
password resetting.
Spam Assassin: Is an extensible email filter which is used to identify spam.
We use this to run virus checks, grade spam, drop mail based on block lists and
several other checks.
IntProc
The IntProc server (short for Internal Processes) was built to house secure web
connections for credit card transactions. The server was built with a custom Apache
setup to include PHP, SSL, and Tomcat Java Servlet Gateway and MySQL support.
Relay Server
Once we switched from SIGECOM to IHETS, the housing users complained that they no
longer had a mail server to relay mail to.†Previously, they had used mail.sigecom.net.
So, we put together a secure mail relay for the housing network, being careful not to
allow spamming or relaying from the outside the network
Luminis Layout We collaborated with many other departments to design the tabs
and layout.
Interactive FAQ
We implemented the interactive FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) function. So far,
we are fielding a lot of questions through there which is causing the FAQ to grow
itself. It also auto-renders an RDF/XML file which we pull for use as a MyUSI channel
- essentially the most recent FAQs.
Veritas NetBackup
We are testing retention and rotation as well as speed. Next we will look at
striping and mirroring as well. The testing will be completed before Finance
and HR Banner systems†are in production.
External RAID Array installation
Both SCT test and Luminis required more drive space so we added an external RAID
array (Sun†3310) and split the drives, 6 apiece, between these two units. Since we
had to break the mirror to complete the installation, we quickly used the first two
drives in each set to create mirrors for the†internals drives. The remaining drives
were made into a RAID 5 volume for future use.
Backups
We used one of the spare drives as a repository for external backups for pipeline.usi.edu,
web.usi.edu, intproc.usi.edu, usibr01.usi.edu, ninja.usi.edu, pamela.usi.edu, etc. -
basically, any system that didn't already have some sort of backup system.â€
New Rice Library
Upgrade 250 computers in computer labs and/or classrooms
Upgrading LUMINIS from release 3 to 4 at the end of July
Updating 325 computers in the Academic Computer Labs
Connecting the network to the I-LIGHT II with a 1 Gigabyte connection
Making Microsoft VISTA available to campus faculty/staff/students.
Upgrading the Microsoft Office Suite from 2003 to Office 2007 for all USI workstations
on campus.
Creating the groundwork for upgrading our wireless structure to release N
Implementing an Emergency Text Messaging system
Upgrading the VOIP servers
Implement ODS version 3.0 with concurrent curriculum on the ODS system
Continue to upgrade Banner 7 sub-versions as needed
Implement Auditing with Cognos 8
Implement an additional licensed product in the Cognos 8 application suite- Metric Studio
Install Nelnet Electronic Refund payment system
Install Grid Control software to monitor and manage all Oracle database and application
server instances
Stream-line the data freezing process for CAP and CENSUS type reporting views
Investigate user-initiated refreshes of some reporting data
Upgrade the Self-Service Oracle Application server to 10g release 3
319 computers were updated/replaced in the computer labs A grant over a million dollars from Campus EAI Consortium was received for a new portal We added a new email system to MyUSI CONTENTdm anf the Rice Library Image collection project began Computer Services assisted with ILLiad, Interlibrary loan service project
An offsite disaster recovery site was created
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