DLS 210 Computer Lab Imaging and PC Removal

All computers in DLS 210 will be imaged and removed on Monday May 15th in preparation for renovations.  New PCs will be installed over the summer.  Any questions, contact its@manhattan.edu

Wireless Projection - Campus Classrooms Receive AirPlay Upgrade

Airplay technology has been added to 85 campus classrooms

(and counting...) as well as a number of conference and meeting rooms to enable wireless connectivity to the room projector.  Airplay works natively with any Apple laptop or IOS (iPhone and iPad) device as well as any Faculty laptop received through recent FLI cycles (enabled by the use of AirParrot software installed on Faculty laptops).  ** Faculty with a laptop older than 1-2 years should contact ITS to enable Airplay on their device (requires installation of AirParrot software).

A list of campus spaces with Airplay technology can be found online in the new 25Live Event planning system by selecting the room feature "Tech-Airplay Connector".  Airplay upgrades were completed over the summer by a team of ITS student interns that worked together of various aspects of the project.

Airplay enables audio and video signals to be sent wirelessly to devices such as projectors, speakers, and/or TVs.  To learn more about Airplay, and how to access Airplay enabled devices on campus, visit the ITS Knowledge Base

Upgraded Smart Classrooms

Continuing with the Smart Classroom initiative, six more classrooms underwent major renovations this summer!  This was a major collaborative effort from multiple departments.  Our improvements focused on community feedback requests and future proofing the classrooms.

Upgraded Features:

• Podium Control System
• More Input Options
• HDMI Compatibility
• Descriptive Buttons
• Larger Podium Space
• Pullout Keyboard and Mouse Shelf
• USB charging ports
• Stronger Monitor Mount
• Dell Wyse Thin Client

NEW CONTROL SYSTEM

Upgraded Rooms:

• DLS 312
• DLS 307
• MGL 312
• MGL 307
• Hayden 201
• Hayden 202

Thin Client Technology
Not to delve too deep into specifics, but the Thin Client technology is pretty interesting.  These mini computers are fairly low powered machines that are capable of running some robust software.  This is possible through application virtualization.  All processes like Excel and PowerPoint run on Manhattan College servers and display on the Thin Client as if they were running locally.  With application virtualization, you can reduce the cost of computer hardware upgrades because all of the processing power needed for future apps is required of the server not the Thin Client.

ITS Working Hard Behind the Scenes

ITS is working hard all summer behind the scenes to make sure that our infrastructure keeps up with growing demand.  A lot of times, you may not even notice the difference in regard to some infrastructure projects.  Here are some of the projects being worked on now.

• Storage - We are upgrading the storage capacity on our servers to keep up with growing demand on our resources. 
• Projector Upgrades - Smith Auditorium is getting a brand new mounted projector and larger 16:9 screen on stage.  The Chancellor's Room recently received a brand new projector paired with the Pixie control system installed in the Spring.  Click here to read the blog post about the Pixie control system installation.
• WIFI - The final phase of our multi-year plan to overhaul WIFI coverage on campus is almost complete.  100% WIFI coverage is being extended to all of De La Salle, Memorial, and Miguel halls as shown on our campus WIFI coverage map.  As a result, all classrooms and Faculty offices will have access to high-speed 802.11n WIFI.
• Classroom Renovations - Six more classrooms were renovated this summer. We took this opportunity to upgrade the control units which includes a new user interface.  You will also have the benefit of an HDMI cable along with a VGA cable at the podium for your laptop.  Rooms that were renovated are: DLS 307 & 312, MGL 307 & 312, HAY 201 & 202
• 4 Computer Lab Upgrades - RLC 102 & 107, DLS 314 and MGL 110 are all being upgraded this summer.  In addition to the new desktops, we are also implementing a couple of software tools to help us better control printing and to monitor both printer and computer usage for more efficient future capacity planning.
• Banner Architecture Upgrade - Faster, more reliable, and more secure.  The culmination of 2+ years of planning and testing, the upgrade includes the migration to lower-cost/higher-performance hardware distributed between our campus datacenter and a secure remote location to ensure uninterrupted access to critical campus data 24/7.  Students and Faculty alike will notice faster performance when using self-service - especially during peak-load periods like online-registration and grading.  To read more about the Banner Architecture Upgrade, click here.
• Client Services Updates - Client Services North has consolidated into the Jasper office.  You can read more about the consolidation here.  As was done in the Spring we intend to offer extended hours during the Fall semester.  To view Hours of Operation, click here.  We are also working on implementing a new ticketing system.  This new system improves our ability to track support requests allowing us to better utilize our resources and communicate with you. 

Stay tuned, because as projects come to completion we will update you on what was upgraded and how it affects you.  

New Finance Lab in DLS

There have been a lot of renovations going on around campus.  One of the greatest achievements is the creation of a Finance Lab for the School of Business in DLS 210.  Many of the features of this lab were designed to mimic the professional instruments future alums will see in the financial industry.  The lab is outfitted with a full sized real-time stock ticker, two large flat panels TV's with scrolling financial data, and HP 8200 series desktops with 22" dual monitors.  The desktops are equipped with Morningstar Direct, financial software that allows students to access industry-standard market data and analytics tools.  ITS is proud to have been a part of this project.

Dr. Topyan lecturing in the newly renovated Finance Lab.  The lab includes a real-time stock ticker!

Professor Chia-Jane Wang had this to say about the new renovation:
"I'm happy to be able to teach in this state-of-the-art finance lab. The LED stock ticker screen, real-time stock quotes and headline news altogether create a dynamic and exciting atmosphere for our students to learn finance. Also, the lab is equipped with Morningstar Direct, which contains global data for stocks, ETF, mutual funds and hedge funds and enable students to build analytical skills using the data and test concepts learned in the classroom."

One of the dual monitors is set vertically for easy viewing of the lab's financial software.

The lab includes two large flat panels that display real-time market data and financial news networks.

Welcome Back Spring 2013

To: The Manhattan College Community
From: Client Services
Re: Welcome back

---

We'd like to take a minute to welcome everyone back for a new semester.  Please take a minute to read through the following Reminders and Updates:

New Updates:

The following rooms have been renovated over intersession and now include a podium, speakers, and Thin Client computer: 

• HAY 208
• HAY 209
• HAY 210
• LEO 241
• LEO 323
• MGL 109
• MGL 111

We are starting an AirPlay Pilot allowing you to wirelessly connect to a projector using the AirPlay standard with select devices.  More information to come.  Rooms that are part of the pilot are:

• DLS 205
• DLS 207
• DLS 208
• DLS 303
• DLS 304
• MGL 109
• MGL 111
• MGL 201
• MGL 202
• MGL 207
• MGL 214

In lieu of loaning certain cables and remotes, Client Services has installed commonly used VGA and Audio cables as well as projector remotes in all yet-to-be-renovated classrooms.   Network cables will be provided to faculty upon request.   Faculty requiring other specialty cables or adapters (such as Apple VGA adapters) should contact Client Services for assistance purchasing this equipment as they are not stocked or provided by Client Services. 

Reminders:

1. The best way to get in touch with a Client Services representative is an email to its@manhattan.edu or a phone call to x7973 (718-862-7973).  Note that email and voicemail for this line go to our ticketing system so we encourage you to leave a message.
2. If you wish to check on the progress of your ticket, you can do so via https://clientservices.manhattan.edu/otrs/customer.pl
3. Remember that we will never ask you for your password.  We encourage you all to please reset your computer password to a temporary password prior to dropping it off at Client Services.  If you do not do this prior, please allocate an extra 5 minutes to work with a Client Services representative so that they can assist you in changing your password when working with us.  Upon completion of work on your computer, please allocate another 5 minutes so that a Client Services representative can assist you in changing your password back to it’s original state.  This is necessary in order to safeguard your password.  Remember that you should never give your password out to anyone under any circumstances.  Note that the same procedure holds true when you are requesting assistance with one of your Manhattan College accounts.
4. Client Services can NOT lend out equipment to students.  If a student needs equipment for a project, they must have a Manhattan College employee sign out equipment on their behalf.  Note that the Manhattan College employee is responsible for that equipment.
5. Client Services can provide short-term loaner equipment such as laptops and projectors by reservation.  Note that if equipment is needed long term, it should be purchased via your department. 
6. The Client Services office does not work on personal computers.  We will train employees and students and instruct them on how to fix their computers, but personal computers can not be dropped off for service.  No personal items should ever be left in any of the Client Services offices.
7. Please remember to plan event setups in advance.  We work with limited resources so we can not always complete last minute requests.
8. Client Services currently has 4 convenient locations: DLS 311, Jasper Basement, LIB 410A, & RLC 103.  Please stop by the location closest to you.  We encourage you to call first to be sure that someone is available as we are constantly assisting the Manhattan College community.
9. Client Services Hours of Operations can be found here.
10. Computer Lab Hours can be found here.
11. Campus-owned computers are purchased with premium hardware support provided by the manufacturer.  ITS will diagnose and determine whether manufacturer hardware support is needed.  For the fastest service, users are also able to contact the manufacturer directly to access hardware support and replacement.
12. Your feedback helps us improve our service and should be sent to itsuggestion-box@manhattan.edu
13. Don't forget to add us to your Google+ circles +ITS and follow us on Twitter @MC_ITS
14. Check out our Blog: http://itsblog.manhattan.edu/
15. Check out our known issues page: http://itsblog.manhattan.edu/p/known-issues.html

Thank you for your attention.