Managed IT Services Partners

As a Managed IT Services partner, there are additional tips you should be familiar with when working remotely.

You have already received telework-related guidance from HR and some work remote strategies and resources. As we move forward, stay informed of future plans by visiting the university's Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website, which will continue to be updated as new information is available.

What You Need to Do Your Job

If you have an OCIO-managed device (your usual device or loaner equipment), you can do the majority of your job with just your normal internet connection. Access to Office 365 (e.g. Outlook, Teams, Skype, OneDrive), BuckeyeBox and Zoom are all available by simply logging in to your computer and connecting to the internet. You can also access files on your local computer (e.g. C: drive, My Documents).

Remotely Accessing Your Files

A few items need a more secure connection. If you need access to the K: drive (file share) or certain internal applications, you will need to use a VPN or remote access portal depending on the equipment you have access to. You do not need to use VPN or the remote access portal to access files on BuckeyeBox and OneDrive, just an internet connection. 

Using VPN on an OCIO-Managed Laptop

To access internal resources, such as the K: drive (file share) and certain applications, while away from campus using an OCIO managed computer, use the Cisco AnyConnect VPN. Please make sure you are selecting the OSULAN group profile when using this tool. Not sure if you need to VPN in to access an application? Try to access that application when not remotely connected. If it is not working, connect via the Cisco AnyConnect VPN and try again. If you are still unable to connect, contact the IT Service Desk. 

Note: If you log out or your computer goes into sleep mode, you will need to reconnect to the VPN when you log back in.

This option can be used on loaner laptops.

Remoting into an OCIO-Managed Windows Desktop from a Personal Device or Loaner Laptop

To connect to your OCIO managed Windows desktop computer from either another OCIO managed computer (such as a loaner laptop) or from a personal device, use the OCIO Remote Access Portal (powered by Guacamole). If you are unable to use Guacamole, contact the IT Service Desk. This option works to remote into Windows desktops only. 

Note: We do not recommend using Skype for voice calls when on Guacamole. You can have calls forwarded to your mobile device and/or disconnect from Guacamole to use Skype on your computer.

While using Guacamole, do not shut down or restart your remote desktop device. Simply end the guacamole session by closing the window.

Using Cloud-Based Storage

The Office 365 applications OneDrive and Teams are university resources available for cloud-based storage, which means files can be accessed from anywhere you have an internet connection. You can learn more about these on the cloud storage and collaboration landing page. As always, continue to follow security best practices and know where different types of data can be stored.

Equipment Guidelines

To help staff work remotely, we are temporarily adjusting our policies around peripheral equipment for Managed IT Services partners.
 
  • Managed IT Services partners can take home their regular work equipment (monitors, docks, keyboards) if needed.
  • We are asking staff to tell their managers if they are taking monitors or docks home.
  • We are asking managers to keep track of who is taking what home, and take responsibility for making sure their staff brings the equipment back when the time comes.
  • If employees need equipment beyond what they have at their desk or regular workstation (e.g. stands or monitors with stands, if they’re using monitor arms) they should contact the IT Service Desk to request those items.

Staying Connected

The university has several tools available for communication and collaboration, all of which can be used anywhere you have an internet connection.

  • Office 365: Access email, store and share files, communicate with your coworkers or students, schedule meetings, track your to-do lists and more by integrating applications and downloading them on up to five devices. Some key communication tools from Office 365:
  • Zoom: Use CarmenZoom for academic purposes, such as classes, consultations and work group meetings.

Take a look at this comparison of services to help you decide what tool is most suitable for your use case.

 

Getting Help

The IT Service Desk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For urgent needs, call 614-688-4357 and press option 3 to speak to service desk members dedicated to providing support to Managed IT Services partners. Get help online at go.osu.edu/it by searching the KnowledgeBase or entering a ticket.

Note: In an effort to protect the health and safety of university faculty, staff, and students, drop-in support is currently unavailable. We encourage you to reach out for remote assistance via phone, email, or Self Service. If in-person support is required, a technician will be dispatched or an in-person appointment will be scheduled in alignment with the university's safe and healthy guidelines.