The E-Merging Report

from the Office of Information Technology Services

ITS begins Windows 7 rollout

The Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) has performed extensive testing and evaluation of Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system since its official release last October and has begun to actively deploy it across the college.

The Windows 7 experience is similar enough to Microsoft's two previous operating systems, Vista and XP, that it has been well received by early adopters throughout the college who have had no problems adjusting to the new desktop environment.

In addition, Windows 7 is delivered with Bit Locker encryption software, which provides a better user experience and eliminates the need for additional PGP software and login.

Training

ITS will be offering Windows 7 training courses in October and November. The training sessions offer an opportunity to personally test drive Windows 7 and learn about its new features. Each 90 minute, hands-on training session will be held in 321 Mason Hall.

Register online for one of the following sessions:

• Tuesday, October 26, 10-11:30am
• Wednesday, October 27, 2-3:30pm
• Tuesday, November 16, 10-11:30am
• Thursday, November 18, 2-3:30pm

Talisma chosen as college-wide CRM solution

ITS has begun implementation of a new, centralized Fisher constitutent relationship management (CRM) system. Campus Management’s Talisma solution was chosen based on our business needs and feedback from representatives across the college.

With the new software, Fisher will be centralizing all of the stand-alone CRM systems throughout the college in an effort to drive consistency in data and system functionality to access, utilize, and maintain information on college contacts/entities throughout their lifecycle with Fisher.

ITS led the effort to secure this Ohio State contract, which can be leveraged throughout the university, saving the college over $50,000.

Key functionality of the new system includes:

• Contact management
  
• Campaign management
  
• E-mail marketing
  
• Inquiry response management
  
• Event management
  
• Reporting and analytics
  
• Web portal
  

Implementation is underway with initial deployment in Executive Education and the Undergraduate Programs and Advising Office, with a projected completion date of June 2011.

For additional information on this effort, please contact Carol Sharp.

New wireless process makes connecting easier

In an effort to improve the experience of connecting to the Fisher wireless network, ITS has changed our connection process to provide a quicker and easier experience, including the elimination of the need for device registration for wireless access.

The Fisher wireless network provides value when utilized, such as access to network resources, file storage, and wireless printing.

Both Fisher and OSU wireless networks are available to all college faculty, staff, and students. Both networks provide full coverage in all Fisher buildings, including Fisher, Gerlach, Schoenbaum, and Mason halls. Hotspot coverage is also available in Pfahl and Converse Halls.

Please visit our Wireless and Mobile Devices on the ITS website to learn more about accessing Fisher wireless and OSU wireless networks.

Classroom news

Instructors who teach in Schoenbaum Hall were pleasantly surprised when they returned this fall. The laptop carts are gone!

They have been replaced by fixed podiums that contain a computer and built-in projection. All the equipment needed to teach in the space is connected through a touch panel interface. It’s as simple as touching the control screen.

Working with faculty input over the past several months, ITS staff, and in particular Roberto Colon, have spent countless hours designing and installing the new podiums to enhance the learning environment in our classrooms. The new design allows anyone using the classroom to easily access the technology, driving an improved instructional experience.

If you want to see a demonstration of the new equipment in the Schoenbaum classrooms, please contact us at the ITS Helpdesk to set up an appointment.

Best practices for protecting your data

It is always best to expect the unexpected. No matter how careful you are with your computer, there is a chance that something will happen causing you to lose some or all of your data.

The best way to protect yourself is to make a habit of backing up your files and store them safely in a location away from your computer. Backing up files can be tedious, but the first time you need to recover something important, you will be glad you took the time to do it. Remember, always save as your work!

Data backup best practices

• The more important the data, the more it needs to be backed up.
• For critical files, make more than one backup. Be sure to note the dates you made each backup, so you can track the changes since you first created the files.
• Backup your system and important files before making any major system changes, such as installing new hardware or a new version of your operating system.
• For saving programs and other system files, use a backup utility. Some operating systems come with a built-in backup program, and there are also a number of excellent third-party backup programs available as well.
• Make system backups regularly - once per week or once every other week is usually sufficient.
• Test the backups by having the software verify them.

Article courtesy of BuckeyeSecure.

If you would like assistance in developing your personal backup strategy, please contact the ITS Helpdesk.

Autumn 2010

Educational Technologies Spotlight

Take a look back at the events, competitions, classes, and programs Fisher students experienced on campus and around the world during the 2009-10 academic year.

The video is a compilation of segments produced by the ITS' Educational Technologies team throughout the past academic year.

Safe Computing

Neither The Ohio State University, nor Fisher College of Business, will ever ask for your password by e-mail.

If you receive such a message, it is not from Ohio State. Never reply to any e-mail asking for your password or other personal details, such as your Social Security number or date of birth.

Report Ohio State related phishing attempts by forwarding the message to report-phish@osu.edu.

Contact ITS

E-mail
helpdesk@fisher.osu.edu

Phone
614-292-8976

Walk-in
For technology related assistance, please visit our Helpdesk team at 320 Mason Hall between the hours of
8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The E-Merging Report is published quarterly by the Office of Information Technology Services.

You have received this e-mail because you are a faculty or staff member of Fisher College of Business.

The Ohio State University
Max M. Fisher
College of Business