A Note from Bill...
Order Management Redesign
IT Services Web Site Project
Stanford Desktop Tools
End of an Era: Modem Phaseout
Speaking of Computers
Employee Referral Program for IT Services
IT Services Initiatives
Survey
Staff Profile
Staff Happenings
Tech Sessions
Tech Training Classes
IT Employment Opportunities at Stanford
Quote of the Week

Past Issues

Do you plan on taking the Employee Survey?

Yes
No

Results from last issue's survey question: Who will win the Super Bowl?

There were 27 responses. 13 said "Indianapolis" and 14 said "Chicago."

Luvien Tran joined Stanford in 1998.

How would you describe your current job responsibilities?

Part of my work is supporting Jan Cicero and her staff in Client Support. I help manage Jan's appointments, maintain her confidential files, and I provide Jan and her staff special requests. The rest of my job is being a member of, and team lead for, the Admin Services team. I reconcile budgets, handle purchase requests, and plan and coordinate events. I also help train new staff and assist Cholada with planning for the group.

Which aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy working with my team and with the staff of Client Support. The variety of the work is always a challenge and I like that. I also like helping people get the things they need.

What did you do before you came to Stanford?

While I was a student at Berkeley, I worked in the accounts payable department at UC Berkeley Extension. I started working at Stanford in 1998 after I graduated.

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

I like to spend time with my family. I have a lot of fun taking care of my nephews and nieces. I also like to travel and do outdoor activities like snow boarding, bicycling, hiking, and camping.

What is your favorite movie, book, song?

Movie: Life is Beautiful
Book: The Lord of the Rings
Song: I like lots of different kinds of music; anything from the 80s, Dido, Yo-Yo Ma, George Winston.

There have been several changes in the Project Management Office (PMO). Joining the PMO (and some of their projects) are:

• Steve Smith: Configuration Management and Remedy Upgrade
• Larry Ebert: Integrated Email and Calendar Discovery
• Evan Taylor: Daylight Savings Remediation
• Greg Koss: K4/5, Workgroup and Org, Guest Accounts
• Gary Buchanan: ACD Upgrade, Unified Messaging, CRT (Gary joined us in October so you may already know him)
• Steve, Larry, Evan, and Gary are all located in Pine. Greg is in Polya.

You can also congratulate the former PMO members who have taken new positions in IT Services:

• Suzanne Schiessler is Director of Order Management
• Donna Cummings is Change Management Analyst
• Jon Pilat is the new UNIX Manager

- Joyce Dickerson
Project Management Office

Please join me in congratulating Nilda Bonet in her new position of Senior HR Manager. In response to staff and supervisor requests, we are creating a second HR position for IT Services. Nilda will be hiring a full-time HR professional to help us with all of our HR needs.

- Bill Clebsch
IT Services

Comings and Goings

The following people recently joined Information Technology Services. Welcome!

• Andrew Chung (Suzanne Schiessler)

The following people have left Information Technology Services. Please contact their manager if you need to follow up on any open items.

• Roger Silva (Dan Stillmaker)

its in bits welcomes more detailed employee news submissions from all staff. Please submit to itsinbits-submissions@lists.stanford.edu

Tech Briefings

Fridays
2–3:30 p.m.

Turing Auditorium

None this week
February 16: Universal Accessibility

Check the Tech Briefings home page for upcoming talks, specials, and last-minute additions.

Tech Express

Thursdays
12–1 p.m.
Turing Auditorium

None this week
March 22: Stanford Desktop Tools

Check the Tech Express home page for future sessions and to subscribe to the mailing list.

Upcoming Tech Training classes of interest to IT Services staff.

• 2/8, Excel Level 1, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $275
• Securing Unix and Linux Systems, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Free
• 2/12 and 2/13, Project Levels 1 and 2, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $500
• 2/13, Order IT Site Training (formerly IT Services Site Training), 1:30–4:30 p.m., Free
• 2/13, Introduction to ReportMart 1, 1:30–4:30 p.m., Free
• 2/15, Excel Statistics, Data Analysis, and Charting, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $275  (This advanced class features the Analysis ToolPak, and is taught by Shane Devenshire)
• 2/15, Dreamweaver Lite, 1–4:30 p.m., $150
• 2/16, FileMaker Pro Level 3, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $275
• 2/20, Adobe Acrobat: Beyond the Basics of Using the Full Version, 1:30–4:30 p.m., $150
• 2/21, Explore techport.stanford.edu (Open Lab), 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Free
• 2/21, Order IT Site Training (formerly IT Services Site Training), 1:30–4:30 p.m., Free
• 2/21, Changes to Ordering and Billing for Department Contacts, 12–1 p.m., Free
• 2/22, Excel Getting Started with Macros, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $275
• 2/22, Using Email and Mailman at Stanford , 1:30–4:30 p.m., $150
• 2/22, Mastering Dreamweaver Level 3, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $275
• 2/23, Word Tips and Time Savers, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m., $150
• 2/23, PowerPoint Level 2, 1–4:30 p.m., $150

Sign up at http://axess.stanford.edu.

Classes with low enrollment may be cancelled one week in advance. More information on courses, registration, and training is available at the Technology Training Services site.

- Leni Silberman
Technology Training Services

There were four new job postings for IT Services this week.

Req.#23950: Computer Resource Associate, (two available positions) 100% FTE, continuing position, Range 4P1, Shirley Hodges, hiring manager.

Provides entry-level desktop and local area network support to contracted University departments. S/he assists other team members in the support of the contract client and functions as a junior team member.

Req.#23970: Quality Assurance Principal Engineer, 100% FTE, continuing position, Range 4P5, Jan Cicero, hiring manager.

The Quality Assurance Principal Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing and managing processes, policies, and projects that enable management to ensure that core services are delivered to clients consistently and efficiently. The incumbent will develop programs that ensure extensive product testing in a thorough, methodical, and timely fashion.

Req.#22989: Telecommunications Attendant, reference two available positions (23974) one year fixed-term, Bargaining Unit, Range A18, Carolyn Kane, hiring manager.

The Telecom Attendant functions as the voice of Stanford, answering main published phone lines for the University, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, and the Lucille Salter Packard Children's Hospital. The Attendant performs critical call functions, including general information, directory, answer and transfer, paging, after-hours on-call contacts, and code call coordination.

Req.#24074: Telecommunications Technician Leader, 100% FTE, Bargaining Unit, Range A40, Rocco Petrunti, hiring manager.

Primarily responsible for leadership in the design, installation, and maintenance of the SL 100 voice, local area networks, and cable TV system. Provides advanced technical support for Communication Services and other University departments as required and assures cohesive efforts by internal and external staff in daily operations and complex projects.

To view the complete listings or to apply for a position, visit the StanfordJobs web site at: jobs.stanford.edu.

There are other open Information Technology positions at Stanford. To see what other opportunities exist on campus, link to the full list of all open IT positions at Stanford

"To contemplate is to look at shadows."

- Victor Hugo

A Note from Bill...

The window to take the new Employee Survey opened last Thursday. This survey is a unique opportunity for each of us to give feedback to our group about the kind of community we are building in IT Services. The survey also helps us to improve our workgroup planning on how to build a better organization.

The survey is comprehensive, but I found that I was able to complete it in just over ten minutes. It includes everyone in IT Services, and it is important that each of us take the time to respond. Only by having a full response can we truly know where to focus our efforts. I urge everyone to respond. I have asked all of the directors and managers to give all staff adequate time to take the survey.

The survey actually performs two critical functions for us: it helps IT Services focus our strategies and projects for making this a better place to work and it lets us, and others at Stanford, know what we think of our organization.

In addition to IT Services, all of Business Affairs will be taking the survey (Controller’s Office, HR, Research Admin, Admin Systems, Public Safety, Internal Audit, Risk, Security, etc.) along with the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. The survey will provide a unique employee-based view into each of these organizations.

Results are expected to be available in March. You can expect to hear in detail about the outcomes in each of your workgroups, as well as some general information at our March Town Hall. We all want IT Services to be the type of place where we each feel valued, can accomplish our goals, and make a meaningful contribution. I look forward to sharing the results with you.

- Bill Clebsch
IT Services

Order Management Redesign

The Order Management Redesign project is changing the way IT Services works.

All billable IT services will be going through the new Order IT (formerly IT Services) site. In the past, this site was primarily used for phone-related orders. Now, all data center orders will be placed via Order IT as well. If you want to have a server added to a rack, increase the storage space for a server, or get a new operating system installed, an order should be placed at orderit.stanford.edu.

A new link between Pinnacle and Remedy will translate the order into a Remedy super-ticket with sub-tickets for every fulfillment group involved in the order. Each fulfillment group will complete its Remedy ticket and when all of the sub-tickets are resolved, the super-ticket will automatically be marked "resolved" and the order processing team will send the order to billing for final review and charges.

There will be a new Service Desk available to help place orders. Vicki Hallett leads the new team. Starting in March, they will be available to walk you through placing an order.

If you are not currently an Order IT user and you expect to be, training is available. Additional classes have been added for the month of February and an online option will be available in late February. Search for classes and sign up via STARS (available via axess.stanford.edu).

- Ammy Hill
Client Support; Campus Readiness

IT Services Web Site Project

From January through May, the IT Services Web Site Project team is inviting IT Services staff members and a select group of interested clients to test a revised front-end of the department's web site. The new design emphasizes links to help resources, an online service catalog, and quick access to ordering-tools.

Among the new features on the pilot home page is an option to login via WebAuth to view service-catalog pages that the project team and Client Support leaders have tailored for particular affiliate groups (e.g., staff, faculty, students, Department IT Contacts, and LNAs).

While the enhancements should make it easier for web site users to access all of IT Services' web materials, they do not include content or formatting changes to our individual service or project pages.

More information about the new features and simple guidelines for testing and submitting feedback are on the Tester's Guide page. The pilot home page is located at itstest.stanford.edu. Please try it out; the project team wants your input!

- Dave Ream
Client Support; Documentation, Design, & Delivery

Stanford Desktop Tools

Stanford Desktop Tools is available now and we'd like to help keep you informed about some important upcoming changes. Stanford Desktop Tools offers a higher level of security than we can provide with PC-Leland and MacLeland. It also automatically updates itself and other site-licensed software like BigFix and the Security Self-Help tool. Stanford Desktop Tools configures Kerberos and provides secure authentication for various services at Stanford like email, the Sundial calendar, and Stanford OpenAFS.

Sometime in the next 15 months, all campus systems and users will need to convert from PC-Leland or MacLeland to Stanford Desktop Tools. It's important for users to keep this on the horizon and choose a convenient time to make the switch. Maybe it's when you, or a client, get a new computer. Maybe it's in the summer when everyone is less busy. Maybe it's today.

When Stanford Desktop Tools is installed, it will automatically remove PC-Leland or MacLeland. For more information about Stanford Desktop Tools, go to the Essential Stanford Software page and choose Macintosh or Windows. Stanford Desktop Tools is the first item on the list.

We're working hard to make this transition as painless as possible. If you know someone who is having trouble with Stanford Desktop Tools, we want to know about it. Please have them submit a HelpSU request with the Request Category "Software Downloads and Upgrades" and the Request Type "Essential Stanford Software."

- Ammy Hill
Client Support; Campus Readiness

End of an Era: Modem Phaseout

As of September 2007, IT Services will no longer support Stanford's Central Modem Pool dial-in service. The end of support—no Help Desk or HelpSU support and no replacement of units that break—precedes a complete phaseout of the service by September 2008.

A thriving array of blinking lights in its late-'90s heyday, the modem service handled as many as 1,000 users at a time. Peak service has now dwindled to about 60 simultaneous users, too few to warrant the high cost of its maintenance.

To make current dial-in users' transition to alternative connections as painless (and inexpensive) as possible, we are already beginning an outreach program to the community, as well as exploring other service options. For more information, contact Carlos Zertuche.

- Nuriya Janss
Client Support; Documentation, Design, & Delivery

Speaking of Computers

The winter issue of Speaking of Computers, which includes many IT Services articles, was recently published at:

http://speaking.stanford.edu/

This newsletter highlights the latest news in computing and technology-related activities, services, and resources on campus.

In this issue, you'll find articles covering such topics as:

• a Web-based system for accessing Stanford course syllabi
• a new version of CourseWork (Stanford's course management system)
• the new Stanford Desktop Tools and the latest updates available from Essential Stanford Software
• getting Stanford telephone services via VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
• how various Stanford faculty are using technology-related resources on campus
• recently added wireless locations on campus
• recently acquired electronic resources (e.g., America's Historical Newspapers, Defining Gender Online, DiscoveryGate, NANOnetBASE)

Note that there are links at the top of the newsletter's home page and at the top of each section to make browsing and printing entire sections easier. You can also browse the table of contents, read the articles of your choice online, or display "printer-friendly" pages of individual articles for easy printing.

"Speaking of Computers" is published at the beginning of Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters by SULAIR Publications. A publication announcement for each issue of "Speaking of Computers" is also distributed to those who've requested one at http://speaking.stanford.edu/subscribe.html.

- Eleanor Brown
SULAIR

Employee Referral Program for IT Services

Looking for a way you can help out a friend who is looking for a job and also earn a little extra cash for yourself? Then you should participate in the IT Services Employee Referral program. If you are an eligible employee, your name will be placed in a hat for every valid referral you make. Each month, we will hold a drawing to select one winner in IT Services to win a $50.00 Visa gift card. In addition, if your referral candidate is hired to an open position in IT Services, you will receive a $2,000 referral bonus.

Contact Nilda Bonet for additional details including program rules, details regarding eligibility to participate, and the Employee Referral form. 

- Nilda Bonet
IT Services; Human Resources

IT Services Initiatives: Status Report Available

The monthly status update for the IT Services FY07 Initiatives is now available. The status reflected in this report is as of 1/31/2007. You can contact your Director or the listed initiative owner with any questions.

The detailed updates on each initiative are available on the IT Services Documents page.

- Nancy Ware
Planning & Communications

A regular summary of IT business, news about personnel, and pointers to other information of interest to IT Services staff. Coordinated, compiled, and published by the Communication Strategy and Standards Team. its in bits is published on the first and third Wednesday of the month.

Submissions are due by Noon on the Friday before the scheduled issue, to itsinbits-submissions@lists.stanford.edu for consideration. its in bits is distributed via email to its-all-staff@lists.stanford.edu and the subscription list itsinbits-subscribers@lists.stanford.edu. People outside of IT Services can self-subscribe via mailman.

The next its in bits will be published on Wednesday, February 21, 2007