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Current Projects

Encryption of Confidential University of Connecticut Data Pilot

This project will address the need to protect sensitive University data through the use of encryption. Many computers at the University of Connecticut may contain sensitive or confidential information, increasing the risk that confidential data will be compromised as the result of unauthorized access, theft, or loss of the device.

The project will be a controlled pilot of encryption solutions for Windows and Macintosh desktop and laptop computers, as well as removable drives (such as USB flash drives). The pilot of the selected encryption solutions will take place during the summer months and will provide input into the real-world applications of the solutions and the practicality of wider use at the University.

Firewall

UITS has installed firewalls at the University Internet borders as well as the UITS server farm. We have taken an innovative approach in network and host security by installing firewalls that combine the common capabilities of stateful inspection with the uncommon ability to scan network traffic, in real time, for viruses and network intrusion attempts. The principal idea is to identify and stop only malicious traffic, while allowing legitimate traffic to flow as expected. This project involves UITS Security, Server Support and Network Engineering Staff.

Human Capital Management System (HCMS) Project

This project is an effort to enhance our human resources data management and system functionality as well as update the technology upon which our human resource system is based. Using the Oracle-Peoplesoft Human Resource system as a foundation, this system provides a modern platform including database management technology, web-based access, combined with some of the best functionality in the industry. This effort will replace the existing and aging Genesys system, which no longer enjoys vendor support, and will operate on a more modern system platform. This significant enhancement will enable us to take advantage of web-based solutions as well as align the technology and technical skills required to that of the Student Administration system, another major enterprise system. The commonality among these major applications will permit the highest degree of integration that is consistent with our operations, similar technology and computer platforms and technical staff skill sets.

The Human Resources department as well as departments throughout the University will see improvements to recruiting and search capabilities, payroll authorization process, adjunct hire process, time reporting, annual mass salary increase processes for various bargaining units and length of service calculations.

 The project is to be accomplished in two major phases. The first is designed to get us to the new solution maintaining our existing functionality while benefiting from new improvements provided by the new system. During this phase we will also be implementing a new reporting solution using data warehouse technology. This reporting and data warehousing technology will also align with that used by our Student Administration system. This major milestone in this phase of the effort is scheduled to be accomplished during February, 2008 during which time the new system will be placed in operation. This phase will continue through June, 2008.

A follow on phase will begin to deploy new functionality available in the new system. Although the scope and specifics of this phase have yet to be specified, the areas of focus for this are expected to be for improvements in absence management and employee self service.

Core-CT will continue to be the source for payroll information however interfaces between the Core-CT system the UConn HCM system will be continued and enhanced.

This project involves staff from UITS, Human Resource and Payroll as well as participants from across the University including OIR, Financial Aid, Financial Affairs and others.

Development of Guest Access Middleware and Implementation with Current NetReg and Cisco NAC systems

This project is the first phase in a long-term process to require authentication for all users of the University's network. Currently, guest access for our wired and wireless networks is available by only providing an email address. This project is for the development of the middleware that will enable guests who are not eligible for NetIDs to be able to obtain credentials that will allow them access to the University's wired and wireless networks. As part of this project we will: (1) Design, develop, test and implement a middleware system to permit real-time creation of guest accounts and passwords; (2) Integrate the middleware system with wireless to support guest access; (3) Replace our current guest registration system for wired network with new middleware component; (4) Identify those areas that will serve as ID Centers to provide walk-ins with guest access credentials; (5) Provide training in the use of the middleware; (6) Develop communications to explain the process for obtaining guest credentials.

The University of Connecticut's Emergency Communications Project

The Emergency Communications project is sponsored by Barry Feldman, Chief Operating Officer, and the project Steering Committee which is comprised of Michael Kerntke, Associate Vice President of Information Technology Services (UITS); Scott Brohinsky, Director of the University Relations Office; and Robert Hudd, Associate Vice President for Public and Environmental Safety. The project committee, headed by Michael Kerntke, is charged with investigating and implementing various ways for University officials to alert faculty, staff and students of life-threatening emergencies. The committee is researching various technologies including sirens, broadcasting messages from Code Blue telephones, message boards, text messaging systems, as well as the utilization of our current email and voice mail systems. The committee will meet throughout the summer with the goal of having emergency communications systems operational this fall. The committee members represent the departments of Public Safety, University Technology Services, Purchasing, Facilities Operations, the UConn Health Center, the UConn Law School, Human Resources, Student Affairs, Media Communications, as well as USG, the Registrar's and the Provost Offices. In addition, the committee formed a few sub-committees to focus on specific technologies. These sub-committees include representatives from Telecommunications, Network Engineering, UITS Server Support, and Facilities Operations. For more information about this project, go to http://web.uconn.edu/ecp/.

Workflow Applications Research and Development

There are compelling needs to apply automation to an almost infinite number of business processes throughout the university. In recognition that such needs cannot be met with large scale systems or extended development projects, a solution in needed for a more targeted approach to solving, or at least improving, key business processes.

UITS has initiated a program to examine the tools and technology available to develop such solutions.

In this regard, we have defined workflow as the automation of a business process, during which documents (such as information, issues, tasks, work orders, purchase orders, authorization requests etc.) are passed from one person to another for approval action, according to a set of rules defined by a workflow scheme.

Workflow technology is the information technology toolset that is used to automate workflow processes.

The expectation for workflow solutions is that they can be developed as purpose specific solutions to forms-based business processes, and can be developed on a common platform relatively rapidly.

The outcomes of this initiative are expected to be the following:

  • Identification and development of a suitable technical infrastructure consistent with UITS technology directions.
  • Developing workflow applications foundations, specifically an approvals authorization facility.
  • Development or demonstration and pilot applications.
  • Staff knowledge acquisition on workflow tools, uses, approaches and technical development methodology.
  • Identification of standards, knowledge requirements and staffing for continued workflow applications development.

This program is not specifically funded as a university technology initiative and is being accomplished on an as-staff-is-available basis. For the upcoming year, FY/2007-08 we expect to be able to accomplish several of the goals identified including a pilot application.

Student Administration System 9.0 Upgrade Project

UConn will begin a project to upgrade the Peoplesoft Student Administration System from the current version 8.0 to the new version 9.0 system beginning in October, 2007. This major upgrade will take over a year to accomplish and is expected to continue through December, 2008. The actual implementation of the new version is planned for the week of October 17, 2008.

Oracle support for the current Campus Solutions 8.0 product line, which includes the array of Student Administration system modules and regulations updates required to manage the university’s almost $250M Financial Aid program, will end during August, 2008. We must accomplish an upgrade to a new vendor-supported release at or near that time in order be remain compliant with regulations and ensure continuous product support.

This project includes the replacement of the current Student Datamart (SADM) to a more modern and supported release of this essential reporting system. The new datamart will be based on identical technology as the new Human Resources system datamart also now being implemented. This will provide the University with a strong foundation for enterprise reporting solutions, integration and data warehousing and will also improve our reporting efficiency with the similarity of the reporting tools for these systems.

This upgrade will provide the new version of the Peoplesoft Campus Solutions 9.0 system including all working interfaces. All existing functionality and customizations will need to be accommodated by the upgrade project. However, some of the operating aspects of these will change.

Project staffing will consist of UITS technical staff as well as staff from the central administrative support areas of Admissions, Records, Financial Aid, Bursar and International Services. In addition the project will require involvement from the regional campuses, Law School, School of Social Work and others. The University has selected Oracle Corporation as it implementation partner to provide the additional consulting and technical support required to accomplish this upgrade.

Windows Vista Upgrade

This project addresses the new version of Microsoft Windows released by Microsoft in December 2006. Working with members of the Software Licensing Group, UITS is investigating the use of the software to formulate a distribution plan which accounts for a timely release and proper testing. In order to ensure that the most secure, functional, up-to-date desktop computing environment is in use at the University, IT staff are taking a proactive approach to testing the new product before it is in widespread use.

The University’s software license for Microsoft products allows for a free upgrade to the new operating system on University-owned computers. The new version of Windows is expected to be compatible with University applications and provide an enhanced level of security over previous versions. Additionally, there are several new features and enhancements with the new software, including an enhanced interface, faster searching technology, and better backup and restore capabilities. Increased hardware requirements are necessary to take full advantage of Microsoft Windows Vista’s features.

For goals, timelines, impacts, and the full proposal, please see the following link: http://software.uconn.edu/about/adhoc/docs/vista_office.pdf

HuskyCT Upgrade (Version 4.2)

HuskyCT (formerly WebCT-Vista) provides a set of web course tools that can be used to enhance or modify the instructional delivery process using web-based tools and the power of the Internet. Our use of this system has grown rapidly over the past few years and has exceeded our plans and expectations in terms of growth and adoption.

The adoption of this software has placed new demands on our systems and UITS will have to make a considerable investment in upgrading this platform during the Fall 2007. Currently over 39,000 enrollees in almost 3,000 classes used this facility in conjunction with their instruction. This use has grown by 200% just in the past year. This growth consists of both an expansion in the number of courses that use it but also more intensive use of this tool by existing users as well. This growth has exceeded our expectations and, as a result, has placed demands on the computer environment thereby also requiring a major upgrade in the computer equipment as well. This hardware upgrade will occur during the Fall 2007 to handle the current workload as well as position us well for the planned software upgrade.

Our plans call for the software upgrade to the new version 4.2, along with the upgrade to the electronic course reserve (ECR) tool that we have developed for our course needs at UConn. We expect to begin work in the Spring of 2008 and continue through the Summer for availability for the Fall semester 2008.

The new version will provide administrative improvements including a more flexible backup and archival capability. There will also be new features including a choice of different templates for instructors, improvements to testing and assessment, new media library import and export features, and Microsoft Windows Vista support.

Updated: 03.06.2008:ldg