Windows Vista is a new operating system available from Microsoft. Vista offers enhanced security, including built-in spyware protection (Windows Defender), better Microsoft update integration, improved user access controls, integrated Desktop Search, and a new user interface.
Microsoft will release Windows Vista to home users on January 30th, 2007. Windows Vista was released to businesses in November 2006. However, experts recommend at least 12 months of planning before a deployment.
Vista will require significant testing to ensure compatibility with all campus systems. iCIT is currently evaluating the new operating system and developing plans to begin upgrading campus computers in Spring 2008. Even then, it is expected that Vista will be deployed on new systems and reimages rather than all at once.
Microsoft Office 2007
Microsoft released Office 2007 for Windows in December. According to Microsoft, Office 2007 “presents newly designed menus and toolbars as well as new features [used] to complete tasks more quickly and easily.” UWW is currently evaluating the new version of Office and expects to roll it out with the Windows Vista in Spring 2008. Training sessions will be available as deployment begins.
Internet Explorer 7
iCIT continues to test Internet Explorer 7 for compatibility with campus systems. Remaining issues with WebNow and IBM Rationale are being examined, and the new browser will not be deployed until the known issues are resolved (no earlier than mid-February). A previous Uptimes entry provided an overview of the new IE7 browser.
New UniPrint Print Release Solution
The General Access Labs and a number of public access labs on campus face issues of high volume printing as use of online technology continues to increase. In order to curb the volume and reduce the waste of paper, ITS implemented a home-grown print release system in our general access labs three years ago based on the Novell printing management functions.
The idea was well received and a number of campus labs have adopted the system. The print release system reduced the amount of waste significantly in spite of the exponential increase of printing demand. However, due to the change of the operating environment and limited resources devoted to the maintenance of the system, ITS faced a growing amount of performance issues in the various labs.
In early summer 2006 ITS launched a comprehensive effort to search for an alternate solution. They successfully installed two systems on a pilot basis over the last month of the semester. Based on the features, costs, and compatibility with our current environment, they selected Pharos UniPrint to replace our current system. This new system will be launched in the General Access Labs – McGraw & Andersen, the University Library, COE labs, and a number of other facilities where printing is heavy. ITS hopes the new system will provide stability in lab printing and be able to help manage the volume during the Spring semester and beyond.
Unified Desktop Management Progressing Through Phase I
The Unified Desktop project is in the middle of Phase I, due for completion at the end of February or early March. The Directory Services integration component, which is the dependency for the remaining tasks in Phase I, is nearing completion for both the Windows and MacOS platforms. The subsequent tasks require the development of strategies for imaging, application distribution, user permissions, asset management and personal data storage. A contractual agreement with Apple for Mac OS licensing is also under negotiation.