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.
New Processing Area for TDC
Total Desktop Care recently moved into a new area for processing new and surplus equipment in L1212 and L1213. New equipment deliveries will be made directly to L1212, which will simplify the current process. Additionally, the new space provides increased security for storing newly purchased equipment and provides more organized storage space for surplus equipment. As part of the move, Adam Hufnagel relocated his office to L1213.