Members
Joe Adamo (Computing and IT Center), Troy Bacon (AVP Finance and Business Affairs and Controller), Philip Baczewski (DCSMT Chair, Director of Academic Computing, Computing and IT Center), Craig Berry (School of Visual Arts), Ginger Boone (University Union), Sandy Burke (Computing and IT Center), Tim Christian (College of Arts and Sciences), Chu Chuah (College of Public Administration and Community Service), Wil Clark (UNT System Center @ Dallas), Jim Curry (Microcomputer Maintenance/Classroom Support Services), Cyndie Harris (UNT Facilities), Mike Hatch (College of Business Administration), Paul Hons (College of Education), Scott Jackson (Libraries), Abraham John (VP Student Development), Scott Joyce (Housing), Brenda Kirk (Computing and IT Center), Burton Lee (College of Music), Gary Mathews (School of Library and Information Science), Dallas Newell (Enrollment Management), Bruce Pollock (ABN LAN Mgmt), Chris Strauss (Computing and IT Center), Uwe Rossbach (College of Engineering), Roy Zumwalt (Texas Academy of Math and Science)

Members Present
Philip Baczewski (DCSMT Chair, Director of Academic Computing, Computing and IT Center), Sandy Burke (Computing and IT Center), Tim Christian (College of Arts and Sciences), Mike Hatch (College of Business Administration), Paul Hons (College of Education), Scott Jackson (Libraries), Matt Kernan for Scott Joyce (Housing), Gary Mathews (School of Library and Information Science), Uwe Rossbach (College of Engineering), Chris Strauss Computing and IT Center), Roy Zumwalt (Texas Academy of Math and Science)

Guests
T. J. Adamowicz (Police and Traffic), Alison Branch (Dell Representative), Daren Dugan (Computing and IT Center), Elizabeth Hinkle-Turner (GALMAC Chairperson, Computing and IT Center), Judy Hunter (Libraries), Krysta Kaye (Libraries), Claudia Lynch (Computing and IT Center), Mike Maner (Computing and IT Center), Don McClure (Computing and IT Center), Jason Myre (Computing and IT Center), Bill Niederstadt (Dell Representative), Vincent SantaMaria (Computing and IT Center), Richard Sanzone (Computing and IT Center), Glenn Thorpe (Computing and IT Center), Jason Zorola (Police and Traffic)

Approval of Minutes
Minutes from March 4, 2005, were approved as written with minor corrections.

Adobe and Microsoft Contract Issues
Mike Wright went over Adobe contract issues with the network managers. The Adobe contract is being converted to standalone licenses. Therefore accuracy of count is needed from the network managers. If there are new installs of Adobe products, this information will need to be documented and reported to Mike Wright. Mike will be sending out an email requesting information by May 15, 2005. We have an Adobe student agreement in place and being sold at the University Store.

Mike also reported the Microsoft Campus Agreement will be in place by the end of August 2005. All products currently covered will continue to be. Legal is releasing the contract for the Microsoft Student Agreement, and will be forwarding it to Microsoft. Hopefully the software will be available for sale before the end of this semester.

Dell Printer Special Offer Update
Philip updated the group on Dell Printer special offer. The deadline for ordering the printers is next week. If we get in the Request for Bid quickly, we can meet Dell’s requirements for the printer orders. Bill Neiderstadt and Alison Branch, Dell representatives, were available for clarification for Dell Corp. Tim Christian asked about the Universal Printer Management Tools to track and manage printers. Bill said it is due out toward the end of 3rd quarter.

Skillsoft Courseware
Elizabeth Hinkle-Turner discussed Skillsoft Courseware that is now available. Over 41,000 user accounts are being tracked and reloaded into the system. Adobe Photoshop 7 training is still on the Skillsoft courses, but all other Adobe training is being done on the Adobe Education site. The Skillsoft courses still require Windows with Internet Explorer as the browser. Elizabeth reviewed the steps to access Skillsoft courses by using the EUID and secure password. Select Catalog, and then select from Business Skills, or IT Skills curriculum. You can also use “search and learn” with specific topics to find courses that cover the skill. If a user is not in the database, email Elizabeth to get the individual added. There is a tutorial available and it will be documented in the next Benchmarks newsletter. As always, if you find other training you would like, let Elizabeth know.

OLD BUSINESS

Philip Baczewski reported on the status of the common interface for student and employee photos. With the loss of Travis Brown, we will be revisiting the issue with the new staff person.

Philip Baczewski also reported on the March 31 deadline to proceed with plans to migrate WebCT courses to Vista.  Phil Turner reported in an email to Vista Users that the final decision is now being targeted for mid to late April.  He also recommended users to begin moving to Vista for new courses, updating current Campus Edition courses to Vista, etc. His email also noted that Vista has been operating this spring with over 9,000 students in a very reliable manner, and that most of the vital tool problems have been either fixed or are scheduled to be fixed in upcoming service packs.

Paul Hons reported on the ad hoc committee looking at PDA Synchronization.  College of Education decided to go with Portamail. The Groupwise version has some problems, so he is waiting for the updated versions.

Tim Christian reported on his experiences with Dell Corporation. CAS opted for a lease for 3 years with an option to buy equipment for $1 after 3 years. A problem was found with the Dell SAN drives initially ordered. CAS had to swap out ATA drives for Fiber Channel Drives. CAS used Gold Support for some issues and found them to be professional and competent. It was not all smooth sailing dealing with Dell Corporation. CAS experienced some issues in getting the right products and there were some vendor-based communication issues in regard to delivery dates. Ultimately, the systems were installed, configured, and working.

NEW BUSINESS

None

AREA STATUS REPORTS

Chris Strauss – Telecommunications Management system is almost integrated into Remedy. Scripts will be activated for Telephone requests and Telephone Trouble reports. The information will be pushed to the Telecomm software. Once the ticket is resolved, the information will be pushed back into Remedy for notification through Remedy.

Daren Dugan – Novell Open Enterprise Server is now available for Linux and Netware version. It is not in Network tree yet because it is in test mode. Contact Daren if you need additional information or access. He will also post additional information to Netman listserv.

Mike Hatch reported problems with hackers around Good Friday. 15 workstations and 4 servers were hacked. His staff has been cleaning up from this the past week. Client workstations became dysfunctional. He also reported that the College of Business in May or June will have 230 desktop machines for sale, 2GH, 512 Ram, for $450. Most of the systems will have keyboards and mice. The reason is COBA is purchasing between 550 to 575 new machines.

Judy Hunter reported they broke a Dell 5300 printer. They wore it out in 2 months, and are now dealing with Dell Support. She will report on their service support next meeting.

Krysta Key informed the group that when she installed Windows 2003 Server Service Pack 1, XP service pack firewall and popup blocker installed.  You must deactivate this feature if you do not want it installed. 

Claudia Lynch announced the deadline for Benchmarks articles is April 11.

Paul Hons announced that the College of Education has ordered and received an HP external array.

Meeting adjourned at 11:30am. Next meeting on April 15, 2005.