Center for Information Technology Services

University of Maryland, Baltimore
Information Technology Status Report
October 7, 2002

Overview: There are many opportunities to use technology as a catalyst to enhance the research and educational missions as well as the efficient administration of the University. We are currently making great strides to advance technology as well as to support the computing needs of campus constituencies. Information technology leaders throughout the University community, Hospital and University Physicians, Inc. (UPI) are communicating and collaborating on IT projects, identifying additional collaborative IT opportunities and striving to share knowledge and resources. The primary challenge is to use technology resources efficiently and effectively and meet the computing needs of our constituencies. In a time of scarce resources, it is particularly important to minimize costs where possible. The most significant challenge today is managing the growing demands on limited IT resources.

Current Project Priorities: The project priorities currently underway are consistent with University needs, as identified by many individuals and groups, including the President, Deans, Vice Presidents, University-wide IT Steering Committee and School IT leaders. UMB's priority projects are also consistent with initiatives and issues commonly identified on national, regional, and State IT agendas. The following are current major IT projects:

• Technology Security (applying appropriate and effective software and hardware on the network, servers, client machines and other devices; policy development; identity authentication; training and education.);
• Complying with HIPAA and other regulatory requirements for assuring the security, privacy, and confidentiality of UMB information resources.
  eUMB (implementation and support of a new HR and Payroll system);
• Consolidated e-mail project (Phase 1 is connecting sixteen major University, Hospital, UPI e-mail systems. The last four of the sixteen are scheduled to be connected this fall);
• Web for Students (student information system, implementation of web registration and admissions);
• Assistance and Service Center (new Help Desk and Enterprise IT Training operation);
• Research Data Warehouse (using technology to provide easier access to an existing research system and data);
• Web development (building a University-wide Web team, training personnel with a UMB standard web development tool, developing expertise in order to enhance the web presence for the Schools and University). 

Current and Impending Initiatives: In addition to major projects, there are many current as well as impending initiatives, and they are:

• IT policy development (enhancing, revising current policies);
• University-wide integrated access to disparate systems, databases, electronic resorces (assessing needs, inventory of systems, developing technology protocols);
• UMB/Internet Service Provider vendor partnership (enhancing remote access);
• High-speed network connection in Baltimore City (collaboration between State, City, UMB, Hopkins, et. al.);
• UMB Internet2 Day(s) (showing faculty and researchers how to use the I2 network);
• Research and financial system assessment (leading up to implementation of a new enterprise-wide research and financial system);
• Mobile/wireless connectivity (developing technology standard protocols for campus-wide access and security);
• Blackboard (software for on-line teaching, training, and learning);
• Developing University-wide, Hospital, UPI standards and procedures for effective service and support. 
  

• Implementing appropriate, cost effective and reasonable technology security;
• The expense of procuring needed hardware, software and other technologies and tools;
• Finding adequate staff resources to meet the needs of the campus, particularly with "hiring freeze" restrictions;
• Determining and applying technology standards where feasible;
• Continuing to build a collaborative environment for the purposes of being more efficient and cost-effective in advancing and supporting technology.