September 14, 2001

Exciting technological changes on campus

A report from Information Technology

Information Technology

The most significant project initiative in Information Technology­replacing the mainframe computer system­began in the summer of 2000. An IT study of new mainframe technology was undertaken with the eventual goal of replacing the existing nine­year­old IBM mainframe computer in the summer of 2001. Careful consideration was given to directions of software and hardware providers and future applications, and how these components will meet the needs of all Information Technology users in the years to come. In June of 2001, IT successfully installed a new IBM H30 mainframe computer. The installation was completed on schedule with minimal negative impact to the Loyola Community. The new mainframe greatly increased the processing power and as a result, greatly improved system response time for users and stability of applications running on the mainframe. Computer Services also implemented the internet protocol (TCP/IP) onto the mainframe system, which provided the platform for the latest releases of SCT software applications and web products. This also set the stage for the addition of applications as they are needed in the future.

Telecommunications

The Telecommunications Department completed the installation and fine tuning of its new automated "speech recognition" internal directory assistance system in May 2001. This system will provide two separate call management systems for call handling. The speech recognition "directory assistance" system will allow all members of the Loyola community to call and request a faculty or staff name, or departmental listing. The system will then play back the number for the request and automatically transfer the user to the number. The number for this service is extension 3600 from on-campus and 865-3600 from off-campus. The other system is associated with all incoming calls to the university main listed number. This system will ask callers to speak the name of the person or the department they wish to reach, and then be automatically connected. Saying "operator" will still provide campus operator assistance for either service. Formal introduction of both these services was made in late August, in time for the fall semester.