Consolidating Systems for Streamlined IT Operations
As organizations grow and become more sophisticated over time, operational procedures must also evolve to support expanding needs. From repetitive everyday tasks to long-term projects to strategic initiatives, virtually any process or approach is fair game for evaluation in an attempt to achieve greater efficiency. Technology provides a vast array of systems to aid such […]
Why Universities Should be Very Worried about Petya and Other Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware has been wreaking havoc for years, locking up data and decrypting and releasing it only when money is paid, usually through Bitcoin. Like any successful malware, new variants are based on the old ones, making it a snap for even amateur-hour hackers to tweak an old exploit and unleash it as new. For Universities, […]
Are you worried about ransomware spiking your ticket volume overnight?
Have you ever wondered if you are just a sitting duck waiting for the next global cyberattack involving ransomware? Are you really a reactive desk and just not ready for the potential flood of tickets? Does your Security team really have the tools to prevent exposure in the first place? Kaseya, the industry leader in […]
What We Learned from the TDX 2017 Pulse Study
When we launched our first annual Pulse Study in 2016, we set out to evaluate organizational maturity and top challenges in Higher Ed IT. Frankly, we were not sure what to expect. We certainly understood common challenges in the industry, especially those encountered by our clients. But what would the data tell us after surveying […]
The Aging of Campus Infrastructure and Buildings
According to the consultancy firm, Sightlines, most campus buildings were constructed prior to 1975. Buildings from that era have long since passed the typical timeframe for renewal of space and systems such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing. The firm also contends that the renovation of older buildings is often postponed in favor of new construction, creating […]
The Evolving State of Campus-Wide User Support
In their 2016 survey focusing on technology, computing, and eLearning in Higher Education, the Campus Computing Project identified the top five campus IT priorities over the next 2-3 years. Hiring and retaining qualified IT staff. Assisting faculty with IT instructional integration. Upgrading and enhancing network and data security. Providing adequate user support services. Leveraging IT […]
Higher Ed Facilities Management: Do We Separate Projects From Maintenance?
The IT department has addressed this topic many times – do we separate how we manage large IT projects, such as an infrastructure revamp, from daily ticketing? After years of debate and various models, most Higher Ed institutes will suggest that having separate systems creates a lack of visibility for resource allocation and redundancy in […]
Managing the Campus: What Does Service Management Look Like Going Forward?
Campus management has become increasingly complex and expensive. If you look across IT, Facilities, HR, Residential Life, Marketing and more – each department has a unique set of requirements, challenges, and opportunities. However, if institutions continue to view each group separately, they will miss an opportunity to improve the student experience. When prioritizing and allocating […]
EdTech is Evolving and Bringing New Challenges to Higher Ed IT
Technology in Higher Education is advancing at a rapid pace and continues to demand more of the IT departments tasked with supporting students, faculty, and staff. Now when considering that Gartner predicts that the number of connected devices will increase to 21 Billion by 2020 – 3x the current amount – we can expect unprecedented […]
Are You Ready for the EdTech Explosion?
According to Gartner, EdTech spend in Higher Ed alone is to reach $38B by the end of 2016. The report goes on to state that the focus has shifted from cost reduction to how can technology be used to gain a competitive advantage. Jan-Martin Lowendahl, vice president and distinguished analyst for Gartner said that for […]
How to Effectively Manage Resources in Higher Ed IT
How do you manage your resources? Every university has multiple projects taking place on any given day, and keeping track of all of them can be complex – especially when trying to manage a portfolio of projects across multiple campuses. One of the most daunting aspects of project management can be resource management. With such […]
Positive Student Experiences and IT – Are They Related?
What makes a university successful? While there are many possible answers to this question, there is one that stands out: positive student experiences. Student experiences can impact universities for years to come. With an overall high quality of student experiences, the appeal to prospective students will also be high. The number of applicants per year […]