Office of Information Technology Services Annual Report

The Office of Information Technology Services is pleased to present the Annual Report for 2014. It was a noteworthy year, with many significant goals achieved. We successfully completed several projects that improved access to new and existing technology resources, and upgraded services to meet the growing demands of the college. Our achievements have built a solid foundation for future progress, positioning us to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our services.

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Our Mission.

The mission of the Office, consistent with that of the College, is to advance the use of technology in all aspects of the College's operations, so as to strengthen support services, teaching, and research.

Technology Highlights.

Wireless

OTS continues to deploy access points for increased coverage throughout campus. This year 250 access point were deployed throughout classrooms and administrative areas.

Infrastructure

Throughout the year networking upgraded 154 switches providing for a scalable and flexible architecture to support 10G connectivity. Plans are underway to replace existing fiber as well as implement a redundant infrastructure to automatically fail over to secondary circuits providing access to the Internet.

Telecommunications

Plans continue to make Unified Communications a reality and to replace obsolete phones. The main PBX has been replaced and a new voice messaging system has been installed. This project will continue over the next year as we begin the replacement of phones leveraging VoIP technology.

Automation of Software Updates
and Installations

A new asset management system was deployed, which will now automate the process of keeping an accurate inventory as well as some of the imaging processes associated with software distribution.

Applications and Web Development

Online Dash Board provides files and reports with student information such as GPA, EQA credits and contact information based upon various selection parameters such as academic plans, service indicators, student groups or courses.

Video Repository

A successful pilot with faculty, staff, and students was conducted over the Spring Semester allowing video streaming, storage, and access. This pilot will be expanded for the fall semester.

Additional Accomplishments.

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Helpdesk Ticketing

A new ticketing system was deployed which will provide improved communication for end users and more efficient reporting.

Computer Upgrades

356 computers were upgraded with new systems in some of the open, instructional, tutoring, and specialized computer labs.

Exchange and Office Upgrade

All faculty and staff have been upgraded to Exchange and Office 2013. All open and instructional labs have been upgraded to Office 2013.

Windows 7 Upgrade

All computers are on the Windows 7 Operating System.

Active Directory

Leveraging the AD in order to provide Single Sign On and current information.

Security Awareness

A security awareness campaign provided monthly security updates to faculty and staff as well as a security awareness workshop to the campus community.

Door Access

A successful pilot was conducted over the summer allowing faculty to access classroom labs using card readers.

Virtual Desktop Virtualization

OTS is taking advantage of cloud offerings through a virtual desktop pilot occurring during the fall semester. This pilot will provide easy access to content and software from any remote location without having to go the specific workstations or labs.

Barracuda Spam

A successful implementation of Barracuda, which is a new feature rich technology that provides greater protection from virus attacks, spam, threats and viruses to our Exchange environment.

2015 Priorities.

Rapid and increasing changes in the evolution and landscape of technology shortens the window for accurate long range forecasting and planning. OTS recognizes these challenges and is committed to providing technology services and solutions relevant and aligned with the priorities of the College of Staten Island. Below is a high-level overview of OIT priorities for 2015-2016.

Wireless and Infrastructure

Wireless: Replacing life cycled controllers and deploying additional access points for improved coverage. Complete software configuration to allow for multiple devices to access network as well as guest access.

LAN/WAN: Work has begun with reviewing fiber to determine replacement and termination in order to expand and increase redundancy for 10G Connectivity on campus. In addition we are looking at options for an automatic failover to another light tower circuit.

Website

The CSI website will be redesigned over the upcoming year. The new environment will be using a content management system allowing faculty and staff to maintain their own content. The transition to the new website will involve housekeeping, server installation, back end programming, and documentation and training.

Phone Upgrade

Continue the replacement of life cycled system requirements; Integrate with exchange in order to implement a unified messaging environment; Complete a phone replacement strategy that will move toward a VoIP environment.