CELO Project Offers Umbrella Like Protection and Security

Bruce Petryshak, CIO

We all appreciate an umbrella on a rainy day. A simple device with waterproof fabric stretched over its framework can provide protection from a few raindrops as well as a steady downpour. Just as we benefit from the protection provided when walking under an umbrella, our technology infra-structure benefits from the use of umbrella-like components put into place for protection and security. Under the CELO project, various components benefit the University’s technology infrastructure. I would like to take this opportunity to update you on three of these components.

The whole disk encryption phase of the CELO project has moved closer to deployment with the selection of software from PGP Corporation for implementation. The contract with PGP has been signed and a pilot project with ITS and Computer Science is currently being discussed. The pilot project will provide an impact analysis that will be used as a basis for development of further implementation plans.

The procurement of Altiris Total Management Suite software will provide for further security measures. This software offers a wide range of features for information technology asset management. Initial deployment will take advantage of its ability to supply an inventory of University-owned hardware and software. The University will be able to see collateral benefits from having the ability to accurately collect and maintain IT asset data, including the reduction of total desktop management costs.

The third component is a new service that provides faculty and staff with the ability to store and share files on the Web. Implementation of the Xythos Web File storage system at BGSU has been named MyFiles. At the beginning of the spring semester, each faculty and staff member will have one gigabyte of storage available on MyFiles. Files may be accessed from on or off campus and MyFiles data transmission is in SSL encrypted format for security, providing a collabora-tive tool and an alternative to emailing files.

Continue to look for other elements to be unveiled as we move forward.