Greetings Colleagues,
As you know, the inter-island microwave stopped working again about 10pm last night. As of this morning at 9am all data traffic to St. Croix was rerouted over the Internet. St. Croix can access Blackboard, Banner, and Exchange via the Outlook Web Access. The videoconference rooms are also able to connect. While the audio is reasonable – the picture quality (as we predicted) is quite poor. We are trying to meet with faculty members to provide their class via telephone if they choose. Access to all services is slow because of bandwidth issues on St. Thomas. Four digit dial and Audix are not available.
We believe that the reason the microwave is not working properly is that the main radio on the dish at crown mountain on St. Thomas is rejecting the signal coming from the alternate radio on St. Croix. We have a crew on the way to crown mountain to see if that can be remedied. We will know more in about an hour, at this time the microwave is operating –
While we are hoping for a best case scenario, we continue to plan for service interruptions. We are:
1) Working with Harris-Stratex to move the installation of the microwave to as soon as possible. We will know more about possible timelines soon.
2) In contact with CHOICE communications to immediately increase our bandwidth. We hope to hear something by the end of the day.
3) We are communicating with Student Affairs to reallocate bandwidth from the dorms (only if absolutely necessary) to provide more bandwidth for educational purposes. An announcement will be made if this becomes necessary. The decision will be made before 4pm.
4) Looking at the possibilities to improve quality of service to the VC rooms.
I will provide an update before evening classes begin.
THINK GOOD THOUGHTS – AT THIS POINT IT CANT HURT
Tina M. Koopmans
Chief Information Officer
UPDATE: Inter-island Microwave
Greetings UVI,
The interisland link between St. Thomas and St. Croix is now fully operational.
At approximately 9:30 this morning, the radio on the interisland microwave stopped working. This radio is what makes the connection possible – it is in essence the “heart of the microwave”. The microwave is equipped with an alternate radio. At approximately 1:30 this afternoon working with Harris-Stratex, we replaced several microwave parts in an effort to activate this alternate radio. While this restored connectivity, the connection remained intermittent. As of 5:00, we have been able to “lock” the connection on the alternate radio and the connection is now stable and all services are operational. Classes are proceeding.
However, the main radio cannot be replaced, so we must move forward operating on the alternate radio. This leaves us without a back up. We have exhausted all our reserve parts and cannot predict how long the alternate radio will provide a functioning microwave. The UVI networking staff have completed configuation of a data tunnel between the islands so that when the microwave fails again, all video and data services will be accessible via the commodity Internet. This option will provide us with continuity – although video over the Internet will require a great deal of bandwidth and will decrease the video quality. We currently have an RFP out to increase our bandwidth on St. Thomas that will make this option more usable.
This microwave system, installed in 1994 has served us well. The microwave is obviously at the end of its life and we are in the process of replacing it. Site surveys were complete last week and purchase orders are in process. Scheduled replacement was June 1, 2010. The new system will provide 300 mbps service between the islands (we currently have 12) and greatly enhance videoconferencing and Internet services. We have already begun the process to move as quickly as possible on the replacement to shorten the timeline. However this will require the switch over to occur during the semester, instead of after finals as we originally planned.
ITS will keep you informed on the status of the microwave and the timelines for the replacement project. We will need to work together closely to effectively serve our students as we navigate the transition.
Thank you for your patience and support.
Tina M. Koopmans
Chief Information Officer
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Technology Update: Microwave not accessible on St. Croix campus
Office of the CIO
January 20, 2010
Technology Update: Microwave Intermittent on St. Croix campus
Greeting University Community,
Please be aware that our very aged inter-island micro-wave system is experiencing technical problems this morning Wednesday, January 20, 2010. Users on the St. Croix campus will experience intermittent or no service while trying to access technology resources. Please remember to utilize the following instructions when attempting to access technology resources.
• Users on St. Croix campus can access the St. Thomas campus by dialing 693 and the 4 digit extension of the person you are trying to call. Users on the St. Thomas campus can access the St. Croix campus by dialing 692 the 4 digit extension of the person you are trying to call.
• Internet service is working
• To access Audix from the St. Croix campus, dial 693-1599 and login to Audix as usual.
• Video conferencing services between islands is not currently accessible . Network Services is currently working to re-route video conference traffic via the internet.
• E-mail Services to the St. Croix campus is not accessible.
• Users on the St. Croix campus will have intermittent/or no connection to the following applications:
Blackboard
BanWEb
Banner
Please note these services can be accessed by using a working internet connection outside of the St. Croix campus network. Users will be able to connect to these services through the web interface.
Information and Technology Services are consulting with off island microwave technical support to determine the best course of action.
We will do our best to keep our users informed as we continue to work on this inter-island connection issue. Information and Technology Service apologies for any inconveniences this outage may have caused. Thank you in advance for your patience as we work through this issue.
“Service is Key”
Cherie Wheatley
Office of the CIO
Manager,Technology Customer Service
January 20, 2010
Technology Update: Microwave Intermittent on St. Croix campus
Greeting University Community,
Please be aware that our very aged inter-island micro-wave system is experiencing technical problems this morning Wednesday, January 20, 2010. Users on the St. Croix campus will experience intermittent or no service while trying to access technology resources. Please remember to utilize the following instructions when attempting to access technology resources.
• Users on St. Croix campus can access the St. Thomas campus by dialing 693 and the 4 digit extension of the person you are trying to call. Users on the St. Thomas campus can access the St. Croix campus by dialing 692 the 4 digit extension of the person you are trying to call.
• Internet service is working
• To access Audix from the St. Croix campus, dial 693-1599 and login to Audix as usual.
• Video conferencing services between islands is not currently accessible . Network Services is currently working to re-route video conference traffic via the internet.
• E-mail Services to the St. Croix campus is not accessible.
• Users on the St. Croix campus will have intermittent/or no connection to the following applications:
Blackboard
BanWEb
Banner
Please note these services can be accessed by using a working internet connection outside of the St. Croix campus network. Users will be able to connect to these services through the web interface.
Information and Technology Services are consulting with off island microwave technical support to determine the best course of action.
We will do our best to keep our users informed as we continue to work on this inter-island connection issue. Information and Technology Service apologies for any inconveniences this outage may have caused. Thank you in advance for your patience as we work through this issue.
“Service is Key”
Cherie Wheatley
Office of the CIO
Manager,Technology Customer Service
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
UPDATE: 11:22 AM Blackboard still NOT Accessible
Technology Update: Blackboard still not accessible as of 11:00 AM
January 16, 2010
Greeting University Community,
As of 11:00 AM this morning technicians are still activating the backup Blackboard server. Please keep in mind that once the server is restored the technician would need more time to perform system testing to ensure the data base is up-to-date and the software is functioning properly.
We will provide another update around 5:00 PM this afternoon. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we get through this system failure together.
If you have any questions please call the helpdesk at ext. 1466 or email helpdesk@uvi.edu.
ITS apologizes for any inconveniences this system outage has caused.
Cherie Wheatley
Manager of Technology Customer Service
January 16, 2010
Greeting University Community,
As of 11:00 AM this morning technicians are still activating the backup Blackboard server. Please keep in mind that once the server is restored the technician would need more time to perform system testing to ensure the data base is up-to-date and the software is functioning properly.
We will provide another update around 5:00 PM this afternoon. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we get through this system failure together.
If you have any questions please call the helpdesk at ext. 1466 or email helpdesk@uvi.edu.
ITS apologizes for any inconveniences this system outage has caused.
Cherie Wheatley
Manager of Technology Customer Service
UPDATE: Blackboard NOT Accessible
Office of the CIO
January 16, 2010
UPDATE: Blackboard NOT Accessible
Greetings UVI Community,
Please be informed that the technicians have encountered some unforeseen difficulties during system maintenance of the Blackboard Course Management System last evening. Which have resulted in Blackboard not being accessible this morning Saturday, January 16, 2010. Users cannot login to the system at this time.
Technicians are currently, activating the backup Blackboard server. This process is expected to be completed before 11:00 AM this morning. If service is not restored by this time we will provide another update through the ITS helpdesk.
If you have any questions please call the helpdesk at ext. 1466 or email helpdesk@uvi.edu.
ITS apologizes for any inconveniences this system outage has caused.
"Service is key"
Cherie Wheatley
Manager of Technology Customer Service
January 16, 2010
UPDATE: Blackboard NOT Accessible
Greetings UVI Community,
Please be informed that the technicians have encountered some unforeseen difficulties during system maintenance of the Blackboard Course Management System last evening. Which have resulted in Blackboard not being accessible this morning Saturday, January 16, 2010. Users cannot login to the system at this time.
Technicians are currently, activating the backup Blackboard server. This process is expected to be completed before 11:00 AM this morning. If service is not restored by this time we will provide another update through the ITS helpdesk.
If you have any questions please call the helpdesk at ext. 1466 or email helpdesk@uvi.edu.
ITS apologizes for any inconveniences this system outage has caused.
"Service is key"
Cherie Wheatley
Manager of Technology Customer Service
Holiday Protocol
Office of the CIO
January 15, 2010
Greeting ITS,
As a part of our holiday procedure, the email and voice mail greetings for the main ITS extensions will be updated with an out of office message reflecting that the University is closed for the Martin Luther King Day Holiday.
The helpdesk voice and email will be monitored during the holiday. If a technology emergency occurs we will contact the appropriate technical support.
Erik will monitor the helpdesk email at 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Brian will monitor the helpdesk voice at 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Have a Happy MLK Holiday!
Cherie Wheatley
Office of the CIO
Manager, Technology Customer Service
January 15, 2010
Greeting ITS,
As a part of our holiday procedure, the email and voice mail greetings for the main ITS extensions will be updated with an out of office message reflecting that the University is closed for the Martin Luther King Day Holiday.
The helpdesk voice and email will be monitored during the holiday. If a technology emergency occurs we will contact the appropriate technical support.
Erik will monitor the helpdesk email at 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Brian will monitor the helpdesk voice at 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Have a Happy MLK Holiday!
Cherie Wheatley
Office of the CIO
Manager, Technology Customer Service
Second Notice: Libraries Closed on Martin Luther King's Holiday
Office of the CIO
January 12, 2010
Greeting University Community,
The UVI Libraries will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King’s Birthday on Monday, January 18, 2010. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.
Please note that the Libraries will be open on:
Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm
In an effort to maintain technology services for students during the Holiday, both campuses will observe the following schedule for student lab access.
Lab Access:
On St. Croix campus students will be able to utilize the NWW 120 Lab. Students may request access through the Security Department. Students must present their UVI ID and sign in order to gain access.
On St. Thomas campus the 24/7 library lab is available for students use during the holiday. Students can access the lab by using their ID key cards.
St. Thomas: 24/7
St. Croix: NWW 120 Lab
Students may also access online library resources at any time by going to http://library.uvi.edu.
The Help Desk voice mail at ext.1466 and email will be monitored during the holiday. If a technology emergency occurs please leave us a message and an ITS technician will follow up. If you have any questions, please contact us at the Help Desk.
Enjoy your holiday!
Cherie Wheatley
Office of the CIO
Manager,Technology Customer Service
January 12, 2010
Greeting University Community,
The UVI Libraries will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King’s Birthday on Monday, January 18, 2010. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.
Please note that the Libraries will be open on:
Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm
In an effort to maintain technology services for students during the Holiday, both campuses will observe the following schedule for student lab access.
Lab Access:
On St. Croix campus students will be able to utilize the NWW 120 Lab. Students may request access through the Security Department. Students must present their UVI ID and sign in order to gain access.
On St. Thomas campus the 24/7 library lab is available for students use during the holiday. Students can access the lab by using their ID key cards.
St. Thomas: 24/7
St. Croix: NWW 120 Lab
Students may also access online library resources at any time by going to http://library.uvi.edu.
The Help Desk voice mail at ext.1466 and email will be monitored during the holiday. If a technology emergency occurs please leave us a message and an ITS technician will follow up. If you have any questions, please contact us at the Help Desk.
Enjoy your holiday!
Cherie Wheatley
Office of the CIO
Manager,Technology Customer Service
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Libraries Closed on Martin Luther King's Holiday
Office of the CIO
January 12, 2010
Greeting University Community,
The UVI Libraries will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King’s Birthday on Monday, January 18, 2010. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.
Please note that the Libraries will be open on:
Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm
In an effort to maintain technology services for students during the Holiday, both campuses will observe the following schedule for student lab access.
Lab Access:
On St. Croix campus students will be able to utilize the NWW 120 Lab. Students may request access through the Security Department. Students must present their UVI ID and sign in order to gain access.
On St. Thomas campus the 24/7 library lab is available for students use during the holiday. Students can access the lab by using their ID key cards.
St. Thomas: 24/7
St. Croix: NWW 120 Lab
Students may also access online library resources at any time by going to http://library.uvi.edu.
The Help Desk voice mail at ext.1466 and email will be monitored during the holiday. If a technology emergency occurs please leave us a message and an ITS technician will follow up. If you have any questions, please contact us at the Help Desk.
Enjoy your holiday!
Cherie Wheatley
Office of the CIO
Manager,Technology Customer Service
January 12, 2010
Greeting University Community,
The UVI Libraries will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King’s Birthday on Monday, January 18, 2010. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.
Please note that the Libraries will be open on:
Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm
In an effort to maintain technology services for students during the Holiday, both campuses will observe the following schedule for student lab access.
Lab Access:
On St. Croix campus students will be able to utilize the NWW 120 Lab. Students may request access through the Security Department. Students must present their UVI ID and sign in order to gain access.
On St. Thomas campus the 24/7 library lab is available for students use during the holiday. Students can access the lab by using their ID key cards.
St. Thomas: 24/7
St. Croix: NWW 120 Lab
Students may also access online library resources at any time by going to http://library.uvi.edu.
The Help Desk voice mail at ext.1466 and email will be monitored during the holiday. If a technology emergency occurs please leave us a message and an ITS technician will follow up. If you have any questions, please contact us at the Help Desk.
Enjoy your holiday!
Cherie Wheatley
Office of the CIO
Manager,Technology Customer Service
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