October 21, 2008

 Computing update ◦ Desktops ◦ Labs ◦ Computer rooms  The virtual future of EAS desktop computing ◦ Currently in testing phase ◦ Tech Fee proposal submitted for labs  EAS main website, individual disciplines and personal websites  Computer staff resources/time budget ◦ Staff Abilities ◦ Effective time management  Remedy call tracking  Detractors  Policy change

 Desktops ◦ EAS does not currently have a replacement policy for desktops ◦ New versions of software require better resources to run, causing usability issues on older systems ◦ High failure rate of all Apple Mac products  Labs ◦ 5 Computer labs  All 48 systems out of warranty  Usability issues with older computers  Tech Fee Proposal rejected last fiscal year  Tech Fee Proposal submitted this fiscal year

 Computer Rooms ◦ ES&T L1235 At capacity  Retire a system to add a system ◦ Boggs 2-73 At capacity  Recent air failure, possible residual damage  No further additions planned ◦ Rich Machine Room  Home to the new EAS Atlas cluster  Expandability for this system only

VVision ◦H◦High productivity computing will be embraced for lab, desktop, and mobile computing. EAS will move from providing desktop systems to students, visitors, and faculty; choosing to maintain backend servers. This allows personal machines to be used with institute or EAS licensed software and fosters pervasive computing.

 What changes? ◦ EAS will provide connectivity support for student owned laptop computers and make recommendations on software. ◦ Desktop computers will no longer be provided by the department. ◦ EAS will provide backend servers for remote access of virtual Windows and Linux desktops. ◦ Labs will have several thin client devices per lab to foster group work, but students may use their own laptops for individual activity (lab dependent).

 What are the benefits? ◦ User experience does not change. ◦ Thin clients have longer lifespan than traditional desktop machines. ◦ System administration greatly reduced, centered on backend servers. ◦ Green solution – thin clients are 6 times more efficient. ◦ Thin clients are much less expensive than traditional desktops.

 Phase I – Lab VDI ◦ Summer 2009  Phase II – Server Consolidation ◦ Summer 2009  Phase III –Staff Persistent VM ◦ Spring 2010  Phase IV – Graduate Student Persistent VM ◦ Summer 2010  Phase V – Faculty Persistent VM ◦ Summer 2010

w ◦R◦Runs on dedicated server ◦M◦Maintained by Ken Peebles SSupported by ISG TTraining required GGroup Websites ◦R◦Runs on departmental gateway machine ◦M◦Maintained by individual groups SSupported by ISG PPersonal Websites ◦R◦Runs on departmental gateway machine ◦M◦Maintained by individuals ◦R◦Recommendation: Move to campus resource

RRemedy ◦C◦Call tracking system with feedback DDetractors ◦O◦Obsolete computer systems & parts ◦L◦Lack of Policy ◦L◦Lack of training PPolicy Change ◦E◦EAS policies in addition to CNUSP RRecommendations SSingle desktop, no dual boot SSingle computer per person AAcceptable use SSupport from Committee & Chair

 Virtual Computing ◦ Concern for performance of server ◦ Concern for students not having laptops  Policy ◦ (Mark) Generate straw man policy proposal and circulate to the committee members  Hardware maintenance after 3-5 yrs  Desktop systems  Number allowed per person  Dual boot  Reasonable Service  Software Licensing ◦ Mathematica License is expiring Nov 1

 Web Server ◦ Immediate need for Windows based server for class ◦ Schedule meeting with ICPA unit to discuss offerings ◦ Check website offerings around campus  Write requirements / wish list for EAS website  Quantify and Qualify website design  Grants & Contracts ◦ Schedule meeting with OSP to discuss computer hardware, software, and maintenance for proposals