Egr / Is Computer Committee Meeting

EGR / IS COMPUTER COMMITTEE MEETING January 23, 2006

Attending: Matthew Kuhn, Bob Koretsky, Peter Osterberg, Bryon Fessler, Paul Erdmann, Sig Lillevik, Peter Chamberlain Guest: Tom Horman – INX Design Consultant

Matthew opened the meeting to Bryon to give us an update / report on progress made to date and planned for the Engineering Computer Conversion.

Bryon handed out a packet detailing progress IS has made and/or will make on the computer consolidation between Engineering and the University. In May 2005, consultants were brought in to review Engineering and the University’s current hardware / software / facility situations and make recommendations to Bryon. After this review, IS determined that Engineering and the University systems could not be combined without a full upgrade, i.e. “forklift upgrade” to completely replace Engineering’s current wiring, equipment, storage and software delivery. Bryon indicated Summer 2006 was the projected time to implement the “forklift upgrade” within Engineering. To date what’s been completed is Phase I (Envision and Assess) for determining the existing network layout and broad requirements for a new network. The Main Distribution Frames (MDF) will be located in Engineering 108 and BC 24. These will be locked rooms containing servers necessary to run Engineering and University networks and have a nitrogen based fire retardant system.

Sig asked Bryon, Tom and Paul how the requirements and specifications were determined and on what basis, so we know where we’re going. Bryon indicated that most of that is spelled out in Phase I, and IS is using industry standards to bring the project to the latest level of product and specifications. Tom Horman, the industry consultant, is also gathering information from all sources on requirements and requests. Sig asked if we, Engineering Committee, would be allowed to review the proposal for Engineering when it was complete? Bryon indicated that decisions would be made at a higher level and not at the committee level. However, communication about the proposed items and progress would be an important part in keeping Engineering in the loop on the upgrade.

According to Bryon, the current proposal (Phase II) is to deploy current technology that increases reliability and uptime for the entire university network, with key added capabilities of security and multiple view-end. Currently there are six separate physical networks within the University, which is why the “forklift upgrade” needs to be done and being planned. It becomes increasingly difficult to monitor and safely protect each of these networks independently. The goal is to have 8-10 virtual VLANs on campus and have in-line power capabilities for wireless.

In the IS packet, a listing of various machines in Engineering 214 is shown in Tab 3. IS would like to remove as many of these as possible to replace with higher level Sun Enterprise machines that will be able to provide what faculty need to run their classes and/or labs. The Engineering Computer Committee will provide a functional requirements list for each server so specific servers can be retired or replaced to help avoid duplication and provide better service. Deadline date: February 28, 2006.

Data closets or Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDF) will be built and installed in Engineering, one on each floor. Estimated cost of this part of the project is $35,000.

The entire project budget for Engineering and Buckley upgrades is $1,000,000.

Engineering 109, which was previously used as Computer Services offices and conference room will be turned into a 40 seat classroom, according to the University officers. The front 2 offices, formerly held by the Computer Services director and secretary will remain as offices for now.

Phase 3, starting January 2006 includes deliverables from INX of report and project plan that includes scope of work, responsibilities, etc. Increased machine capabilities for the MDF in Engineering 108 will include 8 active racks of 50k W scalable to 80kW N+1 and 4 passive racks. This will increase amount of storage space for Engineering and campus- wide to 8 terabytes of space. Estimated completion date is March 2006. Overall “forklift upgrade” to be completed summer 2006.

During spring and summer of 2006 Phase IV (Implementation) will be completed as will Phase V (Management and Support).

There were several open issues still to be discussed within the committee as the project progresses, including: Software licensing Computer tech refreshes IBM Linux servers Engineering 214 Network redundancy Network managed support services Location of new drops Computer classroom / lab configuration VPN (Virtual Private Networking) access Web foldering (“S”, “L”, and “M” drives will go away) Network storage Phased approach to rewiring/cutover Flooring for Engineering 108 Authentication Etc.

Of particular note was the issue of communication between IS and Engineering through the committee during this process. Communication needs to be made on a more frequent basis to acknowledge receipt of documents, progress of the project and input as needed from all parties concerned.

It was asked whether they (IS) plan to honor their promise of “make before break” approach to the network conversion. They said that this would not be possible when services are transferred from Engineering Room 214 to Engineering Room 108.

Respectfully submitted,

Jamie Strohecker Engineering Faculty Secretary