What is Innovative Technology?

Information Technology and the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL) have assembled technical staff and trainers in order to test, evaluate and prepare support and training curriculum for new software in a controlled environment prior to campus wide deployment. When a new product is released from Microsoft, Innovative Technology will meet and prepare for campus use through four separate phases:

Phase 1 --  Technical Overview  and Research.  The new software is installed on two or three computers within the department, which are segregated from the network.  During this Phase 1 technicians get a general overview of the product and identify any potential security vulnerabilities with the product.  They also research the product by using resources such as online technical journals in order to start preparing for implementing the product into the University Environment.  Once the product has cleared a security test then testing moves onto phase 2.

Phase 2 – Detailed Testing and Compatibility.  During this phase, the software is installed on all Innovative Technology team members’ computers.  Extensive testing is performed on the new software with all University enterprise software.  A list of known compatibility issues is created and the team works with software vendors to resolve compatibilities.  A training plan, a technical support plan, and a deployment plan is also created during this phase.  Once a majority of the compatibility issues has been established testing moves onto phase 3.

Phase 3 – Early Adopters. During this phase software is installed on a select number of computers outside of innovative technology.  These users include faculty, staff and small computer labs.  During this phase the Innovative Technology team solicits feedback from the early adopters and continues to develop support and training plans.  Hands on training is also available during this phase, where users can see the new software in a test lab.  Once all feedback is received and Innovative technology is ready to officially support the product throughout the entire university then the product is deployed through phase 4.

Phase 4 – Campus Deployment.  During this phase the product is deployed to campus and communications are sent to campus.  Hands on training continues to be available to campus through the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning. 

CURRENTLY IN REVIEW:

Microsoft Office 2007

STATUS:  Phase 4- Campus Deployment

Microsoft Windows Vista

STATUS: Phase 3- Early Adopters

If you have specific questions, comments or concerns, please email the Innovative Technology group:  InnovativeTechnology@unco.edu