The Information Technology department (IT) at Metro State is undertaking several projects this summer, including upgrading the Banner system, improving the security of college data and remodeling certain campus computer labs.

Preparation for Banner 7
The upgrade to Banner 7 may be the largest Banner upgrade ever for Metro State since getting the last of the administrative modules up in early 1999. With that in mind, IT staff and users are working busily on the project, with final implementation set for early October. Application Services and Database Administration staff are working closely with college administrative areas to test and make system modifications. Any changes and additions previously made at Metro State will be tested and possibly modified. In the meantime, users will be familiarizing themselves with the new features of Banner 7 and a slightly different interface that runs from a Web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape.

Some Banner users are already being moved to the production version of Banner 6 that runs from a Web browser. This changeover is being completed now, both as a test of the supporting hardware and also to get users familiar with the differences encountered when running Banner from a browser.

Improving security
Knowing the importance of college data, IT constantly researches methods of improving the security of the college's computer network. Two projects designed to better protect data are under way in IT this summer.

First, work began last fall on a Security Policy Initiative to form a framework to communicate and implement sound information security practices. The initiative will continue during the summer months with additional security policies being developed and implemented.

The second project, expected to be completed by the end of the 2006 spring semester, is to partition the college network into separate security zones (commonly called DMZs). These security zones help to isolate problematic computers, contain virus outbreaks and form part of a "defense in depth" security strategy. Any Web site, workstation or other computing service which can be reached from the Internet will be placed into an "Internet facing" security zone. Banner and other administrative data will be placed into a "protected" security zone. All other workstations, including student computer labs, will be placed into other intermediate security zones. Network connectivity between security zones will be restricted and carefully controlled.

Summer remodeling projects in the academic computer labs
Only the academic computer lab in SI 124 will undergo major remodeling this summer. SI 124 currently consists of an open lab, two computer classrooms and the Computer Science Program's Sun lab in 124A. The Sun lab will be separated from the open lab suite and provided with its own secure entrance. The open lab and computer classrooms will be remodeled and furnished with all new computer desks and equipment. The open lab will be expanded to include eight additional computer stations and a conference room for students to use when working in teams or groups. This room will have a conference table, computer equipment and a projector and screen. Student teams will be allowed to reserve the room to work as a group as they develop, plan and practice their class presentations and projects.

KC 317 will get an uplift with new paint, carpet and upgraded computers and PL 246 will get new paint, a chair guard rail and new computer equipment. All of the academic computer labs will be upgraded with smart classroom equipment.