Gaining Visibility into IT Projects

In addition to providing day to day operation of IT services, OIT is engaged in a number of projects to support the University. For instance, even if a department has selected a new software vendor, IT is routinely called upon to assist at some level with an implementation.  As we receive projects on a daily basis, each one is reviewed, approved, and then entered into TeamDynamix, our Project Management software. Project Managers are then selected and are responsible for spearheading the project, including communicating with appropriate personnel. We make these project available for review through TeamDynamix.

Project Highlights

We currently have over 60 projects that we are managing. Included are highlights of some of our critical summer projects:

Canvas (Learning Management System)

Blackboard has been replaced by the new Learning Management System, Canvas. For more information on Canvas visit canvas.smu.edu. Visit smu.edu/ittraining for a complete list of Canvas workshops.

Cylance (Antivirus Software)

The security team is deploying a next-generation anti-virus solution, named Cylance Protect.  The AV uses a math model and machine learning instead of traditional signatures for malware detection.  The software has been launched for all OIT and all campus Mac machines. Further communication will be provided for deploying software to remaining campus PC’s.

Duo (Two Factor Authentication)

An extra layer of security has been added to Employee.SMU via Duo, which is a two-factor authentication, requiring users to enter both SMU credentials and another quick verification during log in. Additional applications with sensitive data will be evaluated for this added protection. See oit/services/duo for more information about this additional security measure.

Inside.SMU to the cloud (SharePoint Online)

Inside.SMU sites are being migrated to Office 365. The following team sites have been successfully migrated to SharePoint online:

• Central University Libraries
• Development & External Affairs
• Division of Enrollment Services
• Office of Information Technology
• Perkins School of Theology
• SMU Libraries

We are targeting migration completion of the remaining sites by end of September. However, our schedule is being adjusted based on the needs of various schools and departments.

Locker to Box (Electronic File Storage)

This year we replaced Locker.SMU with Box. All active SMU faculty, staff, and students now receive unlimited cloud-based storage! Box is an electronic file storage and sharing application, which means you can access your documents from anywhere. Upload content easily to Box using your web browser. Easily share files with collaborators inside and outside of SMU. It’s even available via your mobile devices.

Pay for Print/Copy for PaperCut (Print Management Software)

A new pay for print system is being implemented across campus using PaperCut.  Faculty, staff, students and guests are able to print to various public printers from public workstations or personal devices.

Once the job has been submitted, you are able to release that job from any of the public printers that support the desired output.  For example, a color print job could be released from any of the color printers in the public spaces across campus.  For students and guests, a charge is assessed for any copy/print job in the public spaces.

Sitecore Upgrade (Web Content Management System)

Sitecore, our content management system for faculty, staff and students, received a major version upgrade this summer. We have also been working with the Central University Libraries to transition their website to Sitecore.

Taleo (Talent Management System)

OIT has partnered with HR to implement Taleo, a cloud-based Talent Management System for recruiting and onboarding. Taleo is scheduled to launch in September, with additional features rolled out in phases.

Tech Upgrades and Lab Refresh

Each summer OIT coordinates the upgrade of computers, partnering with Premier Logitech, and classrooms across campus using the Technology Fund.

Over 650 (labs and individual) computers and 65 classrooms have been upgraded!

Unified Messaging

We are almost at the completion of our voicemail replacement project. Features include delivery of voicemail to your email mailbox, speech-to-text transcription, and missed call notification. Visit our unified messaging service page for more information on additional features within SMU voicemail.

Accessing our Project Portal

Anyone with a valid SMU ID has access to our project portal. To learn more about our projects or to request assistance, visit smu.edu/OIT/Projects. From the project site, click Active Projects. Then, Sign In in the top right corner to view the active project list.

After you’ve logged on to TeamDynamix, you can scroll through the entire portfolio (tile view) or click on the Grid link to view projects based on name, manager, time-frame and type of project.

You can view additional details about a project by clicking on the Project Name.

If you have any question about a project or have problems signing on to TeamDynamix, please contact the Help Desk at 214-768-HELP.