OPERATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
3:00 – 4:00 PM
FAC 228D
I.
Wi-Fi Change – Update (William Green)
William Green gave an update on the Wi-Fi change. The digital certificate for the
current network expires July 3, 2015. So that campus is prepared for the shut off by
the current provider, transition to the new certification provider will start during
spring break. A parallel new wireless network will be available. If a wireless device
owner does not switch over during that time, emails will be sent out to encourage
them to switch over before the final shut down. A marketing campaign for the new
network will be pushed out to encourage the switch of to “utexas” rather than the
old “restricted.utexas.edu.” Transitioning is a very simple process, concern is how to
deal with outlying cases like older projectors and other technologies. Gage Paine and
William Green will work together on a communications strategy for the students.
There was a pilot implemented and some problems occurred.
Three members from OIT will work with Green’s staff to serve as a committee in
case significant campus issues due to the change.
II.
Administration Systems Modernization Program – Update (Renee Wallace)
Renee Wallace gave an update on the ASMP. After significant analysis, a new
recommendation for the timeline will be presented to IT governance committees in
mid-February. There is no advancement on Change Control Process due to focus on
developing the new implementation approach and timeline. A charter and a steering
committee have been established for the student information systems selection. A
student town hall meeting is scheduled for March 5th.
Q. Does HR rollout start in January?
A. No, it typically starts on the fiscal year.
Q. Is the unit and central cost being considered for the new timeline’s budget?
A. Yes, it is.
Q. Will you take one recommendation to BSC?
A. Yes, we will present a decision brief all the options reviewed and how we came to
the recommendation for the new timeline.
III.
Digital Preservation Network – Update (Brad Englert)
Brad Englert spoke on the Digital Preservation Network (DPN), which is an effort to
preserve large bodies of data (e.g., static library content, scientific data sets,
Hollywood films). Existing digital collections are susceptible to many single points of
failure. This effort will create a network of linked repositories where data is stored
redundantly across five nodes with auditing and verification capacities. The DPN
Board is currently evaluating the applicable and appropriate content, establishing a
legal framework for participation and maintenance of the network, and developing a
sustainable financial data model. It is currently in the pilot phase and it is
progressing well. Both Dan Stanzione and Brad Englert serve on the DPN board.
Q. Are you going to try to put data in data format so they can be read in the future?
A. That problem hasn’t been solved yet.
IV.
Strategic IT Accountability Board – Update (Brad Englert, Mike Horn)
V.
Committee Updates
The capital budget and priorities were endorsed by SITAB. President Bill Powers
emphasized student involvement in the student section of the rollout. IT was a good
meeting.
Phil Long is scheduled to be present next meeting.