Minimum Workstation and Software Site License Subcommittee Minutes

 

August 16, 2012
Meeting in AH-1120 at 10 a.m.
Diana Osborn, Chair

ITS Update

• New classrooms:  Several new classrooms are coming online in the former O and P lot locations.  These will be designated as “MCN” and MCS” and will be fully technology-rich - ITS will be providing primary support for these classrooms.
• Upgrades to numerous EBA classrooms, as well as 2nd and 3rd level AH rooms and M207 have been completed.  The rooms are: EBA 245, 249, 251, 254, 256, 258, 260, 340, 341, 345, 347, 408, 412, 439; AH 2112, 2113, 2116, 3117, 3179.
• VHS sunset:  As a reminder, beginning this year, new technology-rich learning spaces (aka smart classrooms) will no longer include cable TV (CCTV) or a VHS player. Existing classrooms will continue to have both cable TV and VHS players until they are updated.   ITS is happy to answer questions concerning this change, and please assure any inquiring faculty that existing rooms will not change until upgraded.

Academic Affairs Update

All software license renewals have been complete. The last one completed was Zenworks Patch Management, which has been extended for one year.

We've had good results with the push on website accessibility and were able to report a big improvement. Areas who have not brought their website into compliance are expected to get it done by December.

Minimum Workstation Standards

The Minimum Workstation Standards have now been updated and should be good for the next three years. The new standards will be put up on the MWSSLS website.

Rich Pickett discussed the idea with Dell about putting together packages for machines that meet these standards. Comments mentioned concern over the words “minimum standards” being included in the description of these types of packages.

John Ross reminded everyone that if a department spends over $15,000, their order must include the vendor's VPAT (which explains how there products meet the ATI, Section 508 requirements). Many vendors are now aware of this requirement and have them ready (i.e. Lenovo).

IT Security Update

ITSO is starting to develop the mobile device addition to the Security Plan. If anyone has any ideas on this topic, contact Felecia Vlahos, fvlahos@mail.sdsu.edu, X44049.

As a result of the IDM audit, general accounts will be going to 10 characters and will require changing every 6 months in the future.

All faculty and staff should get an AztecLink account, if they have not already done so. Access to PeopleSoft will be through an AztecLink login. Also, faculty/staff can go to csu.calstate.edu, and login with their AztecLink account. There will eventually be other services, training, etc. that can be accessed through this website.

Software Distribution and Updates

We are now at SAS, version 9.3. Everyone should now be upgrading to that version.

SPSS released Version 21, however it won't be released to the campus until Aztec Shops has it for sale. This will probably in Spring, 2013.

SDSU did not get a contract for the new Apple OS, Mountain Lion, because it is too costly. Contact Ken Packer, ken.packer@sdsu.edu, X47507, if you need assistance or information on an Apple Mountain Lion purchase. There is a bulk educational copy purchase price available for the campus.

Microsoft was on campus this week. Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 will be out in October. IE 9 is included with Windows 8. Windows 8 is specifically designed for touch screen tablets, smartphones, and touch screen CPU's. There is no over-whelming need to upgrade for non-touch screen equipment. The same goes for Windows Server 2012, whose specific enhancement is for servers using Dell's version of virtualization. Most departments are using VMware virtualization. SDSU will however see about having Microsoft come to campus in October for a Q/A on the software.

Next MWSSLS meeting will be September 20, 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: The statements found on the MWSSLS Home Page are for informational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that this information is up to date and accurate, official information can be found in the University publications.

Last modified on August 17, 2012
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