LSC Technology Master Plan

Project: Migration of Employee Email from Novell GroupWise to Microsoft Exchange

Description: Implementation of the Microsoft Exchange/Outlook email system occurred in early August, 2008.

Reasons for change: a) Novell changed their underlying architecture which created support issues for our I.T. staff. b) MS Exchange will tie into our new VOIP phone system providing several advantages in the future, especially related to directory info and voicemail. c) Students and employees will now be using the same system which will be easier for I.T. to support. d) Allows LSC to completely move away from Novell licensing which will save MnSCU some money (along with about 10-12 other schools that are doing the same thing).

Follow-up Needed: Some employees are currently (Aug. ‘08) using web access Outlook since the client software has not been installed on their workstations. Web access is very limited in functionality. Installing the clients is a priority. Additionally, more workshops will be offered in the coming months to help alleviate frustrations with things that do not work the same way that they did in GroupWise.

NOTE: All employees will continue to have access to email via GroupWise until the switch has been completed, at which time we will eliminate the GroupWise server and service. However, ALL outgoing mail should be sent from Outlook, and no outgoing mail should be sent from GroupWise. The only reason that we are leaving the GroupWise server connected is to allow users to check for incoming mail that is using the old “lsc.mnscu.edu” email address. Those messages are still delivered to GroupWise only. Each user needs to inform people to stop using the dot-mnscu address and ONLY use the “lsc.edu” address.

Approximate cost: $9,000 (out-of-pocket costs for e-mail infrastructure, plus a great deal of staff time)

Network & Data Center Modernization through VirtualizationDescription: The purpose of this project was to provide Lake Superior College with an initial implementation for enhancing the previously existing network and data center configuration. The modernization of the data center features the use of virtualization which runs multiple workloads on fewer servers and reduce the future need for physical server purchases for the Technology Division. Over time, this architecture modernization will increase server utilization from 10-15% up to 80% and save approximately $10,000 – $20,000 per year.

Approximate Project Cost: $28,000

Data Backup with Off-site Disaster RecoveryDescription: LSC Computer Services Department manages and maintains a large number of mission critical servers hosting Databases, Email, Scheduling, Documents, and application software. The department is charged with providing for the backup and recovery of these resources. In addition, the department is required to provide for the recovery of key data and services in the event of a disaster. This project provided for the creation of a backup and recovery system that is robust, fast, flexible, and has enough capacity to handle the current archival and recovery needs of LSC plus providing for expansion needs in future years.

Approximate Project Cost: $70,000

Description: Previously, the Rdb Replication database was easily accessible from any system/workstation on the campus network. While that was functional and made it easy for users get their work done, it also created an environment that was less secure and very open to non-authorized users. All MnSCU campuses began implementing CAP (Consolidated Access Point) Servers for the purpose of creating a method of secure access to the preferred Oracle REPL database. The first stage was to put the CAP servers in place and make them functional. The next step was to bring into an operational mode which required the migration of applications and queries to the CAP servers. These applications and queries are now run directly on the CAP servers and only by users that have authorized access.

Approximate Project Cost: $10,000 plus many. many hours of personnel time.