Banner 8 Update

Currently, the IT department is building the infrastructure (services, storage, backup, structure, and security) for Banner 8. The operating system and database software are in the process of being implemented. There will be more information on end-user (person using the computer) testing available in mid to late July 2009. This information and end-user feedback will come from a “Test Environment” that will be developed to help ensure that Banner 8 will run smoothly and with as little hiccups as possible. The test environment will invite members from the functional units to test compatibility strengths and weaknesses associated with Banner 8. For more about how Banner will improve when upgraded to version 8, please visit this link to the Spring 2009 newsletter, http://www.unco.edu/it/ITNewsletters/Spring2009.pdf. In consultation with the functional departments, October 2009 has been chosen as the target date to go live with the new version of Banner, Banner 8.

SSL-VPN In Pilot Stage

SSL-VPN is the newest version of the Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN’s purpose is to give you access to UNC network resources (OWA, shared files, and other files stored on the network) when you are not physically on campus. The upgrade to the VPN deals with a new and improved way to log onto the VPN. This new upgrade is called SSL-VPN. The new version of VPN increases compatibility with different kinds of computers (PC, MAC); as well as cuts out installation requirements. Previously, one would have to search for the software and download the version compatible with their computer. Now, all you have to do is log onto a website https://remote.unco.edu/unco, and you are hosted by the network from there; safely and securely. There is currently a pilot group that is testing this new version. Reports are that the new version is progressing well and with good feedback, minor changes are being made accordingly. Please note that the previous version of VPN is still available, but will be disabled December 31st, 2009. This means that SSL-VPN will be the exclusive version starting January 1st, 2010. For more information on SSL-VPN please follow the link to the Spring 2009 newsletter and look for “Upgrading the Virtual Private Network” on Page 1, http://www.unco.edu/it/ITNewsletters/Spring2009.pdf. Please post a comment if you have any questions or comments about any of these postings. Have a wonderful week!!

Improved Way to Publish Your Webpage Will Add More Security!

Beginning June 22nd, there will be a new process to publish a webpage. The process has been simplified via the way you log onto your website. The process calls for you to use your first.lastname information. Please note that this new process on how to log onto your website will not disrupt or change any of the content you have already created for your site. Also, the process change will take a couple days, June 20th and June 21st, so please refrain from publishing anything on your website until the change is complete. Ronna Johnston has drafted an informative document with more details. The document will be available via UNC Today and email; I will also post it below. Have a great week!!

Hello,
There are upcoming improvements to the process used to publish web pages to www.unco.edu. When logging on to update your Website, you are currently asked to enter a username beginning with WFUNCO\ . On June 22th 2009, this process will change and you will no longer have to remember a separate Web logon. You will instead need to enter UNCO1\ followed by your (Personal Digital Identity) firstname.lastname account and current password. This is the same logon and password you use to log on to your PC or Ursa. When your network password changes, you will also need to change the password of your Web software, such as Dreamweaver, to match.
The purpose of this change is also to enhance the security of the Web environment. Beginning June 22, you will need to always log on to the VPN site, http://remote.unco.edu, to publish Web pages. Once this log on has occurred, pages can be published using an FTP or Web authoring software, such as Dreamweaver. This VPN site can also be used for off campus Web publishing.
This change will NOT impact the current Web content you have created, it will only change the way you log on. Please visit http://www.unco.edu/websupport/webauthors/logging-on/ for instructions or contact the Technical Support Center @ (970) 351-4357 for any questions, comments or concerns regarding these changes.
To accommodate these changes to the Web server, Web authors are asked not to publish information to the UNC Web server beginning Saturday, June 20 through Sunday, June 21. This will allow time to move the current content to the new Web server environment. Any changes to Web sites made during this time period will potentially be lost.
Thank you for your cooperation in this change.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Information Technology at UNC Blog! My name is Chris Cobb and I am the graduate assistant for Information Technology. It is my job to help communicate current and future IT initiatives to the UNC campus. The IT department is committed to communicating these initiatives to the campus in the most effective manner. It is the purpose of the “Technically Speaking” newsletters (fall and spring), and this new blog to help facilitate communication. This blog will be updated each week with information on new IT initiatives, and updates to current ones (e.g. Banner 8). I strive to make this blog an informative and interactive resource to improve IT/campus communication. I encourage you to post comments on each posting giving feedback, suggestions, or sharing reactions. Thank you!