Project Update
While faculty, staff, and students welcomed a new academic year, the IT teams continued to work to make strides in the overall IT transformation project. Several departments within CFAES have officially moved to OCIO managed IT services, while others saw enhanced Wi-Fi implemented this past month. The CFAES IT team has consulted on several unique projects and helped with iPad distribution for eager students in the college. Visit the CFAES IT Transformation webpage for regular project updates.
Columbus Campus
- Moved to OCIO services in August: ACEL, Government Affairs, Facility Planning, Diversity and Inclusion
- OSUwireless implemented in Ag Engineering and Plumb Hall in August
- International Programs and The Ohio Program onboarding in September
- Detailed planning ongoing: Dean's Office, Marketing and Communications, Finance, Academic Affairs, OBIC
Wooster Campus
- OSUwireless implemented in Skou, Halterman, and Student Activity Center in August
- Wi-Fi implementation will continue in Wooster in early October in approximately 14 buildings
State-wide Campus
- Moved to OCIO services in August: Hancock
- Working with AT&T to target bandwidth improvement and Wi-Fi installation and Wi-Fi installation in 32 County Extension offices
- Developing timeline to move County Extension offices to OCIO services
CFAES IT Team Progress
The new CFAES IT team is working on a variety of projects including research and application support.
Research Support
- IT Services: Evaluating an HPC “On-Demand” computing environment to be built with OCIO Infrastructure team
- FABE: Consulted on a proposed purchase for additional software licenses supporting research; saved FABE $1,500
- FABE: Assisted researcher on troubleshooting and repair of Precision Ag/Drone workstation
- HCS: Support for PSI Phenotyper instrument in Williams Greenhouse
Application Services
- Deployed iPads to ATI students the first week of classes
- Hired a full-time Application Associate Analyst
- Working to provide signage solutions to the following groups or locations: ACEL, Ag Admin, HCS, Wetlands
This Month's Common Questions
Q: I have heard we are getting Skype for Business as part of this transformation. What does that mean for me?
A: Skype for Business includes several features that will allow your team to enrich communication and collaboration, such as desktop sharing, voice/phone, conferencing, a mobile client, and unified messaging that allows users to receive voice messages in their email.
Q: Does this mean my telephone is being replaced?
A: Yes. Your telephone will be replaced with Skype for Business.
Q: Do I have to use a headset once we get Skype for Business?
A: You do not have to use a headset. There are several supported audio devices that you can use. This does include headsets, as well as traditional-looking desk phones. Initial setup includes one device as part of the service.
Q: I have never used Skype for Business. Will someone teach me how this works?
A: A technician will be on site to help set you up with Skype for Business at the time your unit is scheduled. The technician can help answer any questions you have about the service or your audio device. There are also a variety of training tools available at the Skype for Business project website. Visit the site and find training resources, service features, and additional FAQs.