News, Events & Media

Technology Changes

February 24, 2013

Apurva Mehta

** Please bookmark this page and review periodically to stay abreast of changes **

The list below describes the upcoming technology changes that will enhance various aspects of university life - from teaching and learning, infrastructure enhancements to campus wide application development and support.

Project Briefings [PowerPoint Presentation]

Information Technology Project Briefing  [2013]

Project Master List

 

Project Details and Status

AV Classroom and Project Updates

 

AV Classroom Updates

  1. Replaced Projector in H-LL-3501, 8/12
  2. Replace LCD Projector in H-LL-3505, 8/12
  3. AV Flat Panel TV Installation in Dispute Resolution Seminar Room, W-4-128, 9/12
  4. Converted Psychology Conference Room, M-4-603 into a TEC 1 Classroom with a Ceiling Mounted LCD Projector
  5. New TEC Classroom AV Installation in State Archives, SA-1-108, 10/1/12

AV Classroom Updates as of 1/24/13

  1. Installed New LCD Projectors in W-1-004, W-1-005, W-1-034, W-2-158 and W-2-200
  2. Replaced UMB TV Monitors in Clark and Wheatley Lobby Area
  3. Converted H-11A into a TEC 1 Classroom
  4. Installed a new Podium in Ryan Lounge

AV Projects Still Planned for Spring 2013 Semester

  1. Install Accordent Classroom Capture System in S-1-008, (Small Science Auditorium)
  2. Install new AV Control System in Ryan Lounge
  3. Replace/Install 3 Additional Projectors in TEC 2 classrooms, (Spring Break Week)
  4. Install new UMB TV on 1st floor of Campus Center
  5. Install AV System in Sociology Conference Room, Making it a TEC 1 Classroom, (Expected Completion, 2/8/13
  6. Replace Computers in 4 TEC 2 classrooms, (Spring Break Week)

Last Updated: February 24, 2013

Computer Lab Upgrade - Completed

During winter session 2013, 56 Dell Optiplex 9010 computers with 22-inch widescreen displays and 18 Apple iMac with 27-Inch displays and 16GB of memory were purchased for the Red and Mac A labs to replace computers out of warranty. The older iMacs removed from Mac Lab A were installed in the red lab to increase the number of macs available for general use. There are currently 22 iMacs and 56 PCs available for general use, with 8 additional PCs to be installed during spring break. In addition new chairs were purchased and installed in the purple, gold and Mac A labs.  If you have any questions please contact Kim Miller @ 7-5214 or email: kim.miller@umb.edu

Last Updated: February 22, 2013

Computer Lab - Research - Completed

The lab formerly known as the Green lab has been converted into a research lab owned and operated by faculty. The new name of the lab is Decision Making Research Lab. The lab will no longer be available for classroom scheduling. For more information please contact Michael Carr @ 7-6950 or via email michael.carr@umb.edu

Last Updated: Auguest 20, 2012

Blog Service - Upgrade - Completed

We have recently upgraded the software running the UMass Boston Blog Network, available at http://blogs.umb.edu. Some of the new features you will see include 25 new themes to design your blog with, new drag and drop widgets, improved admin icons and improved widget interface. Your blogs should appear the same as before but feel free to redesign your blog by selecting a new theme and widgets. 

Camtasia Upgrade - Completed

Camtasia Relay Server has been upgraded to v.4.0s effective 1/19/2013 in tech classrooms, labs.  This upgrade features webcam integration and global captioning.

In order to upgrade client version 3.1 to Camtasia Relay version 4.0 on personal computers, it is necessary to remove version 3.1 and download  version 4.0 from camtasia.umb.edu , then install the UMass Boston server offline. 

Last updated: February 16, 2012

25 Dell Optiplex 990 Minitower computers with 22-inch widescreen displays and 4 Apple iMac with 27-Inch display were purchased for the Graduate Research Center to replace computers out of warranty, for use during the Spring 2012 Semester. In addition to the GRC equipment upgrade. 13 Dell Latitude E5520 Laptops were purchased to extend the use of the mobile classroom availability on campus. For more information please contact Kim Miller @ 7-5214 or email: kim.miller@umb.edu

From Friday, March 9th at 1pm, until Monday, March 19 at 7:30am, the blue and white labs located on the third floor of the library will not be available for use as the furniture is being replaced which requires the computers be disconnected. All other labs located on the upper level will be available as needed.

Last Updated: January 26, 2012

CampusEAI MyCampus Portal - Work in Progress

The MyCampus Portal project is in it's initial stages of pilot planning.  The portal is envisioned to provide Faculty, Staff, and Students a one on one experience and centralized access via traditional or mobile technologies to a interactive web portal.  The project has commenced with a limited scope and will continue to expand and be enhanced to provide an extranet and intranet.  More details will be provided throughout 2013.

Last Updated: January 24, 2013

Web Rearchitecture - Completed

The new campus website was implemented at the start of the September 2011 semester.  Once implemented it was placed into Post Launch Stabilization period for the remainder of 2011.  That period ended on January 1, 2012 and Web Services has returned to normal work order processing.  Continuous improvements, analytics, and content management is ongoing.

Last Updated: March 27, 2012

Acalog Online Course Catalog - Planned

This project is sponsored by the Registrars Office and will allow a fully functional online academic course catalog for all campus course offerings as well as archived catalogs, with ability to tailor a catalog to the specific needs of the user, and is slated to commence planning in April, 2012.  The catalog will be available on the web site once the project is implemented.

Last Updated: March 27, 2012 

iWay Middleware - In Progress

The iWay product is in process and will initially be implemented to tie together two campus based applications, allowing bi-directional data flow between disparate Service Desk and Facilities workorder and ticketing systems. Tentative go live date is February 1, 2013

Last Updated: January 24, 2013

Xythos Upgrade - Completed

The Xythos system is utilized across campus as a file sharing, storage, and document management and collaboration tool.  The upgrade to version 7.2 was completed on March 12, 2012.  The upgrade will allow enhanced workflow capabilities, ability to work with photographic images and other new and enhanced tools with a more intuitive presentation.

Last Updated: March 27, 2012

Office 365 - Upgrade - Students  - Completed

The student email system was upgraded to Office 365 on August 16, 2012.  For more information on this project please visit: http://www.umb.edu/it/getting_services/email/office365/

Last Updated: August 20, 2012

Office 365 - Upgrade - Faculty & Staff  - Completed

Towards the end of September 2012 faculty & staff email accounts will move to the new Office 365 system. This will have several benefits to both you and the University, the most prominent being 25 GB mailboxes!

Last Updated: August 20, 2012

Adobe Creative Suite (CS) 6 - Ongoing

Adobe Creative SUite (CS) 6 - Design and Web premium has been released.  We will be making this software available to all faculty & staff and in the computer labs across campus.

Upgrade to Blackboard Learn 9.x by Fall 2013 - Ongoing

From March 15 through May 8, faculty should complete the Blackboard Learn course request form for Summer and Fall 2013 courses. Click here to submit form.
For complete details, including training information, visit blackboard.wikispaces.umb.edu

Last Updated: March 21, 2013

Network Upgrade - Ongoing

1. Network Edge Switch Upgrade

The information technology department is in the process of replacing all edge Ethernet switches that users rely on for daily network connectivity. The edge switches are replaced early in the morning before staff and students arrive to minimize user impact. We anticipate this project to be completed by Fall of 2013.

2. Single Mode Fiber Optic Installation

The information technology department is in the process of upgrading all building fiber optic cables from multi mode to single mode fiber optics. This upgrade is in line with our plans to improve campus network bandwidth speeds and capacity as well as align us for future added services for all campus users.

3. Ethernet Distribution Hardware Upgrade

The information technology department is in the process of replacing all building level Ethernet distribution switches to current state of the art equipment. This project is a critical component to all future campus network enhancements and service offerings. This project is in the early stages. We anticipate this project being completed by Fall of 2013.

Last Updated: February 25, 2013

Wireless Network Enhancement - Ongoing

The information technology department is in the process of enhancing our wireless coverage areas around campus. This is an ongoing task that requires sight surveys and proper network engineering. Our initial priority has been areas that students gather and conference room. We have since added coverage in almost all areas of all buildings and we continue to fine tune this offering as coverage is impacted by construction changes and non supported wireless devices.

Last Updated: February 25, 2013

Voice Over IP Phone System Upgrade - Ongoing

The information technology department is in the process of evaluating several vendors offerings with the intention of replacing the campus phone system with a voice over IP (VOIP) solution. This phone system upgrade is in line with our goals to provide a state of the art technology infrastructure for our users. This project is in the early stages of testing and vendor evaluation. We anticipate this project continuing into 2014.

Last Updated: February 25, 2013

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