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Innovative Technology

Information Technology, the Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL) and other academic representatives have assembled technical staff and trainers to test and evaluate new software in a controlled environment prior to campus wide deployment. When a product is released from the vendor, 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. One 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 teams works with software vendors to resolve incompatibilities. A training plan, a technical support plan, and a deployment plan are created during this phase. Once the majority of the compatibility issues have been resolved the 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 (CETL).

Currently in Review

Internet Explorer 8

STATUS: Phase 3 - Early Adopters

Windows Internet Explorer 8 is available for download from Microsoft’s website; however, it is not being actively pushed out to campus.  There are known compatibility issues with Internet Explorer 8 including Blackboard, and Internet Native Banner (INB).  The Innovative Technology Committee is waiting on official support from the vendors listed above prior to actively pushing out Internet Explorer 8.

Apple OS 10.6 “Snow Leopard”

STATUS: Phase 2 – Detailed Testing and Compatibility

The Innovative Technology Committee is currently testing Apple OS 10.6 to verify that there are no compatibility issues within our Apple enterprise environment.  At this time, Bear Logic will not sell upgrades to UNC Faculty and Staff until the committee has completed Phase 2 testing and is prepared to fully support the upgrade.  If you are interested in becoming an Early Adopter of Apple OS 10.6 please contact the Technical Support Center at 351-4357.

Windows 7

STATUS: Phase 2 – Detailed Testing and Compatibility

The Innovative Technology Committee is currently testing Windows 7 RTM.  Initial testing indicates improvements from Windows Vista.  The committee will continue to test and identify any problems with the OS.  We will move to Phase 3 after Windows 7 has been officially released from Microsoft.

Microsoft Office 2010

STATUS: Phase 1 – Technical Overview and Research

The Innovative Technology Committee is currently reviewing and researching the new Microsoft Office 2010.  We will begin testing the beta software once it is released by Microsoft.

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