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Current Projects

Current Projects

When MSL IT is not busy helping you with your information technology problems we are always working to improve our services.  Here is a list of projects we are or will be working on in the near future.  They are not in any specific order and we can and will be working toward many of these at the same time.  If you have any questions or comments about these projects please contact us.  The earlier we get your feedback and input the better these services will be when we launch them.

 

Collaboration Server

What is it?

The collaboration server is a platform that enables easy-to-use collaboration on your lab's data files with people in the MSL and outside.  This uses two software packages called Owncloud and Alfresco.

Here is a list of the top features we are most excited about:

  • Web browser interface
  • File revisions
  • Microsoft Office integration
  • Mobile device support

Why do we need it?

We have had a service since the MSL opened to host MSL data called Warehouse.  Warehouse being a simple file server is meant to enable ease of sharing files between your computers and other researchers in the MSL.  In today's day and age this is not enough for our users.  People need to access their data more easily from a wider range of devices that is not supported by Warehouse.  Users also want to interact and share data more with collaborators outside the MSL and currently this is not easily done with Warehouse.  This new service will enable all of this and more.

 

 

UBC's Enteprise Active Directory Authentication

What is it?

A single login that you use to access all of the MSL's digital services.  Similar to UBC's singular Campus Wide Login.  We have already enabled a few of our services with this but there is still more work to be done.  We have plans to integrate the following services to UBC's Enterprise Active Directory similar to the CWL):

Why do we need it?

No one wants to remember yet another login.

 

High Definition Video Conferencing 

What is it?

High Definition (HD) Video Conferencing is simply the best quality of video stream available in Video Conferencing.  This is the same quality as HD TV.

Why do we need it?

Our current Polycom Video Conferencing solution is only Standard Definition and we usually do not recommend using it to share your presentation slides as the quality is generally unacceptable for most scientific presentations.  This forces you to send a copy of your presentation to the remote side and have them display it there separately.  This is a big hassle on both ends.  High Definition (HD) Video Conferencing enables high resolutions for perfectly sharing your most detailed presentation slides with a remote site removing many of these steps to setup a video conference.

 

Imaging Backup System

While our Crashplan Desktop Backup services provides excellent data backup for computers it doesn't preserve specific Windows application setups.  We really need a server to provide scheduled automated full system images that can run without having to shutdown systems. A universal baremetal imaging and recovery backup system that provides central management of system images to cover with backup and recovery over the network.

 

 

Departmental Website Upgrade

What is it?

An upgrade of this website's software, design and layout.

Why do we need it?

It's been 2 years since this website launched and we have accumulated a small list of things that should probably be changed both the design and layout of the site.  One of the main goals is to support the latest UBC common look and feel that seeks to give a common style and layout to all UBC websites.

 

 

virtualization of Computer Server infrastructure

What is it?

Virtualization is the way of the future in regards to computer servers and the MSL is looking to follow this trend.  To do so we are looking to leverage UBC IT's Virtual Server Service.

Why do we need it?

Our computer servers are getting old, running out of warranty and are not virtualization enabled.  We need to either build our own virtualization infrastructure (costly) or buy into someone else's.  Luckily, UBC IT's Virtual Server Service is priced at their cost for the UBC community.  Buying into this service enables greater flexibility, availability and security than we could provide on our own.

 

 

IT Asset inventory and management system

What is it?

A software system that will track, organize and manage MSL computers.

Why do we need it?

In today's world theft is a real problem in regards to laptops.  We need a system to better track our laptops specifications and purchase information for insurance purposes.  We also could benefit from a platform that enables us to get a real-time report of our current IT assets and their configurations along with updating and managing the software.  This would make us more efficient at our job than going around the building and working on one system at a time.