Information Technology Center ITC Services and Projects Dr

Information Technology Center (ITC) Services and Projects Dr. Sadiq M. Sait, Director 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 1

Overview of ITC Departments 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 2

Recently Completed ITC Activities. . 1 Category Accomplishments & Status Frame Agreement 2005 for Desktop Hardware New desktop computers acquired include 800 notebooks and 1000 PCs, printers, scanners etc. Hardware deployed in academic/administrative departments, community colleges, smart classrooms and computing labs Replaced hardware relocated based on computing requirement criteria Academic & Administrative Application Support Over 35 scientific & engineering applications on enterprise platforms Up to 65 applications & utilities deployed on the desktop Over 30 administrative applications on enterprise platforms Horizon Deployment in the Main Library Production servers upgraded Continuous system administration & performance monitoring by a dedicated ITC team 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 3

Recently Completed ITC Activities. . 2 Category Accomplishments & Status New University Website Latest technologies used to enhance image Powerful search capability & interfaced with Faculty search interfaced Information System Computing Labs 12 ITC General-Purpose & Departmental PC labs upgraded ITC technical support for 44 departmental labs including desktop image preparation, server applications and license manager deployment Application Development & Deployment Redevelopment/enhancements to Financial Resources System & System Human Resources System Development of Student Mail Desk System for snail System mail, Student Services System & Computer Allowance (CAC) Workflow system Conversion of all legacy systems as web-enabled applications using Web. Sphere/Java platform applications Student Dorms Network Over 1100 student computers currently connected Support for 2204 fast Ethernet nodes (100 Mbps) 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 4

Making IT Happen – Some Interesting Stats Academic courses currently managed mainly on Web. CT 600 Training man days conducted for the university community this year Network nodes added to the university network this year 1200 665 Total Number of Email accounts 14, 381 (8, 500 in 2000) Total Number of Internet accounts 14, 695 (9, 500 in 2000) Email messages processed every day this year 39, 612 (4, 500 in 2000) Email data processed per day this year Total Number of PC Labs inside campus 3. 4 GB (400 MB in 2000) 52 Computers available to students in labs & student dorms 2600 Student to available institutional computer ratio 3. 43 Hardware and cabling service jobs handled every month 184 Software troubleshooting & installation requests processed monthly 350 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 5

Towards a Technology Campus: n ITC has taken many steps to redefine the way information is being delivered utilizing the latest computing and communication technology. Major projects completed: n n Wireless Campus University Laptop Program Web-enabled Applications University Website – Look, Feel, and Technology Enhancements 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 6

Wireless Network @ KFUPM n n Largest university Wi-Fi network in the region Wide coverage including n n n Access Points - building blocks of wireless network n n 38 academic buildings Student activity areas and outdoor areas included for ubiquitous coverage between important buildings 314 access points already deployed Augmentation planned with Wi. Max deployment to cover entire outdoor campus 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 7

Wireless Network – Technology Overview n n n Wireless Specifications n IEEE 802. 11 a/g standard n Uses available/unlicensed 2. 4/5 GHz ISM Band n Provides higher data rate (up to 54 Mbps) n Backward compatible to IEEE 802. 11 b Technology Features n Scalable Enterprise Solution n Designed for Mobile WLAN users, PDAs, Wireless IP Phones n Highly Secure n Enterprise Network Management State-of-the-Art Equipment from Cisco 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 8

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Utilization Statistics n n n Current utilization statistics n More than 300 users using wireless LAN currently n On an average 30 -50 concurrent users access from different locations Projected utilization by end of semester 052 n 4000 wireless LAN users n 500 concurrent users Rapid increase expected in current semester based on laptop deployment and awareness campaigns 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 11

Future with Wireless n n n Planned extension with Wi. MAX n objective is to cover the entire campus n Wi. MAX will be integrated with current Wi. Fi infrastructure n faculty and students will be able to use wireless applications everywhere, not only inside buildings Advanced PDAs, special units for RFID & barcode for specialized inventory and tracking applications Wireless LAN - Voice over IP (Vo. IP) n SIP & H. 323 Clients n Wireless IP Phones n Free mobile communication using PDAs 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 12

University Laptop Program Overview n n Strategic university plan to enhance mobile computing infrastructure Compliments the deployment of wireless network across all academic buildings State-of-the-art technology campus with facilities at par with best campuses Laptops and the wireless network help improve academic programs n n 3/7/2021 Faculty has enhanced support for e. Learning technologies inside classrooms and everywhere Effective teaching methods and learning experiences ITC Services & Projects 13

Laptop Selection n Selection criteria included n n n Desktop replacement category with native wireless support Standard benchmark and number crunching tests (pi to 2 million decimal places) Entry-level or low-priced models not considered 3 -year full onsite hardware replacement warranty Advanced model as desktop replacement n n n Docking station interface to desktop Connection to desktop LCD monitor, local printers & other devices such as scanners etc. Selected laptop model unavailable previously in the region 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 14

University Laptop Program Deployment n University Faculty Laptop Program n n Advanced Notebook and Docking Station Desktop experience while in Office 350 faculty members have been assigned notebooks in 051 alone Student Laptop Program n ICDL qualification ensures notebook usage and competency of students n Delivered directly at KFUPM and “ready to go” n KFUPM stands behind the program 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 15

Laptop & Docking Stations - Base Configurations HP Notebook HP Docking Station NC 8230 PA 287 A Pentium M 1. 86 GHZ, 2 MB Cache Advanced docking station 15. 4” SXGA+ display Multi Bay II bay supports 80 GB HDD, DVD+/-RW, DVD/CD-RW & DVD-ROM ATI Radeon X 600 (64 MB) 512 MB RAM (1 DIMM) 80 GB Hard drive Wireless, 10/1000 Ethernet, Bluetooth, 56 k Modem Express Card slot Ethernet & modem pass-through DVD/CD-RW 6 USB 2. 0 ports, 2 PS/2 ports for mouse & keyboard 3 year warranty and premier level service Serial & parallel connectors S-Video, VGA, DVI & audio ports

Notebook Deployment Schedule October November Frame Agreement Signed Faculty (Ph. D) Laptops Deployed December January February March April May June July August ICDL Students (1) Notebooks Deployed Faculty (incl. Insts & Lecs. ) Laptops Deployed All Faculty Covered ICDL Students (2) Notebooks Deployed Ongoing University Laptop Program

Web-Enabled New Applications Student Payroll System n n n n Integrated LDAP student authentication and user authorization roles Integration with Student Information System Monthly salary reports for students Online for Loan Request Applications for students Student Payroll can be run directly from the web Accounting Department can view online reports for student salaries Integration with Security and Traffic Violation System 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 18

Web-Enabled New Applications NAAS©Employee. Self. Care™ n n Integrated LDAP authentication KFUPM Faculty & Staff update own non-critical data n n n Addresses Dependents Passports Employees can view their critical data & report anomalies Education Vacation accrued Evaluation (Last 3 yrs) Name/Arabic Name Birth date Job title (s) College and department 3/7/2021 n n Govt. ID/Tabiyah number Grade Pay Check Phone Bills ITC Services & Projects 19

KFUPM On The Web New Look and Feel 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 20

KFUPM On The Web Main Features n n n The ITC plans to unveil KFUPMs' brand-new website in order to present it to users with a “New look and feel", while improving its overall usability and accessibility. The new look gives the website an updated, professional interface and the reorganization makes the site easier to navigate. The new web site offers information to all users within and outside the university about the services and resource in the Campus. 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 21

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KFUPM On The Web Faculty Information System (FIS) n One of the major strengths of the new website is the introduction of a new FIS (faculty information system) n n n Faculty profiles details the biography research interests publications etc. , 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 23

KFUPM On The Web 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 24

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KFUPM On The Web Search Engine n n The new website has a search feature that integrates with the worlds most famous search engine, i. e. , Google Search. This improvement allows users to search for web pages without the navigational ability normally required or the need to rely on hand written links The search engine also allows users to search the KFUPM telephone directory, the library catalog and the World Wide Web. 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 26

KFUPM On The Web 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 27

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Users & Access n n Internal users of all three types (Students, Faculty and Staff) can access resources and information under their respective sections directly from the main page Websites for Deanships, Centers and Administrative departments are accessible from a new Administration section, while academic departments can be found under a new Academic Programs section. 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 29

KFUPM On The Web 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 30

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Arabic / English Website n n The website is bilingual (English/Arabic) to serve the university website information for national and international users. Users can switch between the Arabic and English websites at any time using a link at the top of the page. 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 33

KFUPM On The Web 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 34

ITC Projects – Status: Ongoing . . 1 n Wireless Computing n n n Enterprise Database Implementation n n New design to integrate legacy databases Cleansing of data to enhance data accuracy Preparation for data migration in Project Raed Document Management System (DMS) Implementation n 38 academic buildings fully wireless zones by end of January 2006 Increased utilization through deployment of 800 notebooks Acquiring Advanced Workflow to support current DMS Procurement of high-end DMS-enabled scanners for all departments Community College Support n n 3/7/2021 Continuous server & desktop hardware acquisition support at Hail, Dammam & Hafr Al-Batin Total deployment & management of computing services at Dammam Community College ITC Services & Projects 35

ITC Projects – Status: Ongoing . . 2 n Server Consolidation n n Online Help Desk, Change Management & IT Assets Management n n Rack-based Enterprise & Blade Servers to replace more than 60 scattered old servers Capacity enhancement to improve performance of critical systems Staggered acquisition to maintain state-of-the-art hardware for future implementations including ERP Enhanced accountability to improve services Clear guidelines and aggressive changes to process hardware & software requests Intensive effort to streamline IT Assets ownership Network & Systems Management n n Advanced implementation for continuous monitoring and detection of network & systems failures Strategy to implement zero downtime for networks and systems 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 36

The Future@ITC . . 1 n KFUPM Portal n n Extended Mobile Campus n n Wi. MAX is a standards-based wireless technology that provides high-throughput broadband connections over long distances Wi. MAX-based extensions to create a digital university campus with better bandwidths for e-learning Intel plans Wi. MAX enabled notebooks by third quarter 2006 High Performance Computing (HPC) n n Institutions of higher-education collaborative portal u. Portal adopted for implementation Standards-based JSR-168 portlets Easier interface with Oracle & Student portals Two 24 -processor Unix-based servers and an 8 -CPU cluster currently operational Implementation of a large HPC facility to support advanced research planned Clusters of PCs also available for Research Awareness for Faculty/Administration n Intensive program planned 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 37

The Future@ITC . . 2 n Curriculum Delivery Systems Enhancements n n n The Raed Project n n Intensive preparation for required IT Support Enterprise database design and implementation Building required IT competencies for successful deployment Enterprise Storage & Backup n n n Planned deployment of Centra to enhance Web. CT Enhanced course content management Enhanced online storage for users NAS (network-attached storage) and SAN (storage area networks) systems Backup of all critical desktops planned IT Security n n Security plan to ensure high security for existing and planned systems ADSL security plan for faculty housing network 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 38

Thank you 3/7/2021 ITC Services & Projects 39