TRG Working Group
Platform Flexibility Working Group
Working Group Remit
It is recognised that in order to satisfy Information Technology requirements there may
be legitimate reasons for faculties and department to connect a variety of devices to the
campus network, either directly or indirectly. The remit of this working group is to
provide advice and documentation concerning the minimum standards, with respect to
technology, security, authentication and support, that all devices must adhere to before
and after they are connected to the University’s campus network.
Status
Working group established by the Technical Review Group of the Information Policy and
strategy committee (IPSC).
Working Group Coordinator: Colin Cooper
Working Group Members:
TBA
Stakeholders:
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Faculties and departments
End users
Working Group Start Date (estimate): January 2005
Working Group Strategy Report: June 2005
Strategic Objectives
To provide advice and maintain suitable documentation governing the minimum
standards that any device must comply with before and after it is connected to the campus
network. NB these standards will apply to devices that are directly or indirectly
connected to the campus network and address technology, security, authentication and
system administration issues.
Key Problem Areas
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There are many devices that have the potential to connect to the campus network
and deliver access to IT resources. However an open access Policy would lead to
significant support, performance and security problems
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The availability of communications technologies other than wired Ethernet
requires investigation to determine their suitability and usefulness
The perception that central resources only cater for a limited set of hardware
platforms and OS versions needs o be addressed
The growing number of PDAs. 3G and traditional cell phones with Internet
connectivity options present significant connectivity and support challenges
Key Challenges
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Many devices come as part of an overall package or service e.g., Electron
microscope controllers, MRI scanner data loggers and BEM systems
Confirm legitimacy of device connection i.e., service cannot be delivered by
traditional means
Monitor compliance with published connection standards
Avoid wasting resource on novelty or latest gadget requirements
Integrate compliant devices in a scalable, productive and supportable manner
Produce advice and documentation that is acceptable to a large user base.
Working Group Deliverables
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Ongoing advice and documentation relating to standards, security, authentication
and support
List of supported technology, security and authentication solutions
Ongoing review of potential solutions e.g. WiFi, BlueTooth, Blackberry etc
Recommendations for central and distributed support services e.g., PDA, Cell
phone data synchronisation facilities for filestore, calendaring and e-mail services
To work with other groups on developing services based on Flexible
access/Platform flexibility
Success Metrics
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Advice and documentation accepted by faculties and end users
Faculties believe their legitimate requirements are being addressed
Current Milestones and Dates
TBA