What's New? (last update 7-9-08)

• System Administrators, Dave and Scott, are working on a new project for RLMs to allow them to securely communicate with students via instant messaging.
• Distributed Computing is in the process of releasing software upgrades to HFS computers. Last week IE7 was released as a precursor to the impending SAP GUI upgrade which is expected to happen during July. Office 2007 upgrade is currently being considered for an August release.
• In August, some HFS Computing staff members will receive training for TimeLink, the new timekeeping software system that will be used by Housing.
• An inventory of computing equipment is underway by the staff in Distributed Computing to ensure they have an accurate count.
• New performance evaluation software will replace the current Performance Evaluation application in the next few months. The new software is called Halogen.
• Distributed Computing has replaced all kiosk units primarily used for ESS purposes. The new computers have a smaller profile and require less desktop space. The monitors are flat screen.
• HFS Computing system administrators have been working on an on-line ordering project for PMU Dining Operations.
• Some staff members in HFS Computing have been busy answering e-mail questions from incoming students who are signing, or attempting to sign, contracts for housing through the New Resident Contract online system. This is an effort to handle the volume normally managed by the Housing office.
• System administrators will soon begin working on integrating the Starbucks card program with Micros.

Project Updates (last update 7-9-08)

• This fall, programmers will begin a new contracting project to combine the Contract Renewal process for current residents with the New Resident Contract process.
• Distributed Computing is just beginning to work with"ticketing" software which will allow them to gather their ideas concerning the capture of incoming help requests to better serve their customers. The group hopes to have a working solution by the end of 2008.
• The Catering Event Log, for reporting and organizing post-event data at PMU, is currently in the testing and documentation stage.
• Distributed Computing has been involved in providing input into the configuration of the next generation of desktop units to be rolled out in 2008-09. A University-wide group (SMART Computing) is negotiating with Dell computers to build an economical and functional unit which will be arriving on some of our desks during the upcoming year. HFS Computing has consistently lobbied for desktop forms and not full tower units in this effort..
• The Keys program is currently in the coding stage.

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