IT Services roll out new developments

The introduction of wireless technology and the implementation of GroupWise have been major achievements for IT services over the last year. Over the coming months, work will continue on the £5 million Network Infrastructure and Communications (NetComms) Project, a major deliverable of the Network Improvement Programme which will deliver a modern, world-class network for the whole University.

Telecommunications is one of the main areas under development, with the up-coming replacement of the telephone system used on the main campus. The new, more robust IP telephony system will offer many benefits including voicemail, a phone directory available on the handset and ability to log on with any phone to access voicemail and use personal features and settings. If there is a need to move office, staff will simply be able to plug their IP phone into any network point in their new office.

Due to the lack of available direct dial telephone numbers, the NetComms project team will also lead the change to five digit extension numbers.

Existing numbers will work for as long as necessary to avoid the replacement of current stationery and publications.

Director of IT Services, Richard Murphy, said, "A programme of activity, including staff training, is planned to make these changes as smooth as possible. ITS will have a full complement of well-trained staff to provide essential support and will continue to work with the user community about any concerns with the network and requests for change."

For NetComms Project information see: www.dundee.ac.uk/netimprovement/projects/netcomms

A health-check of the GroupWise implementation carried out by an external software provider has found it to be, "one of the most efficient Groupwise systems seen in an academic institution, which presents special challenges with a big variety of users and systems". Groupwise is now established as a vital part of the University's communications systems, with over 23,000 users and handling over 166,000 messages each working day.

Last year's pilot introduction of wireless networking is also set to be rolled out to more areas of the University, with over 180 wireless access points to be deployed to learning and teaching areas, and meeting rooms over the next year. Richard says, "Wireless is making an important contribution to the University’s objectives outlined in the Vision Towards 2007 and the elearning strategy.

For more information about wireless networking see: www.dundee.ac.uk/itservices/wireless