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EAS Computer Committee Meeting

EAS Computer Committee Meeting. October 21, 2008. Agenda. Computing update Desktops Labs Computer rooms The virtual future of EAS desktop computing Currently in testing phase Tech Fee proposal submitted for labs EAS main website, individual disciplines and personal websites

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EAS Computer Committee Meeting

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  1. EAS Computer Committee Meeting October 21, 2008

  2. Agenda • Computing update • Desktops • Labs • Computer rooms • The virtual future of EAS desktop computing • Currently in testing phase • Tech Fee proposal submitted for labs • EAS main website, individual disciplines and personal websites • Computer staff resources/time budget • Staff Abilities • Effective time management • Remedy call tracking • Detractors • Policy change

  3. Computing Update • Desktops • EAS does not currently have a replacement policy for desktops • New versions of software require better resources to run, causing usability issues on older systems • High failure rate of all Apple Mac products • Labs • 5 Computer labs • All 48 systems out of warranty • Usability issues with older computers • Tech Fee Proposal rejected last fiscal year • Tech Fee Proposal submitted this fiscal year

  4. Computing Update - Continued • Computer Rooms • ES&T L1235 At capacity • Retire a system to add a system • Boggs 2-73 At capacity • Recent air failure, possible residual damage • No further additions planned • Rich Machine Room • Home to the new EAS Atlas cluster • Expandability for this system only

  5. The Future of EAS Desktop Computing • Vision • High productivity computing will be embraced for lab, desktop, and mobile computing. EAS will move from providing desktop systems to students, visitors, and faculty; choosing to maintain backend servers. This allows personal machines to be used with institute or EAS licensed software and fosters pervasive computing.

  6. The Future - Continued • What changes? • EAS will provide connectivity support for student owned laptop computers and make recommendations on software. • Desktop computers will no longer be provided by the department. • EAS will provide backend servers for remote access of virtual Windows and Linux desktops. • Labs will have several thin client devices per lab to foster group work, but students may use their own laptops for individual activity (lab dependent).

  7. The Future - Continued • What are the benefits? • User experience does not change. • Thin clients have longer lifespan than traditional desktop machines. • System administration greatly reduced, centered on backend servers. • Green solution – thin clients are 6 times more efficient. • Thin clients are much less expensive than traditional desktops.

  8. The Future - Continued

  9. Virtual Implementation • Phase I – Lab VDI • Summer 2009 • Phase II – Server Consolidation • Summer 2009 • Phase III –Staff Persistent VM • Spring 2010 • Phase IV – Graduate Student Persistent VM • Summer 2010 • Phase V – Faculty Persistent VM • Summer 2010

  10. EAS Websites • www.eas.gatech.edu • Runs on dedicated server • Maintained by Ken Peebles • Supported by ISG • Training required • Group Websites • Runs on departmental gateway machine • Maintained by individual groups • Supported by ISG • Personal Websites • Runs on departmental gateway machine • Maintained by individuals • Recommendation: Move to campus resource

  11. Effective Time Management • Remedy • Call tracking system with feedback • Detractors • Obsolete computer systems & parts • Lack of Policy • Lack of training • Policy Change • EAS policies in addition to CNUSP • Recommendations • Single desktop, no dual boot • Single computer per person • Acceptable use • Support from Committee & Chair

  12. Discussion & Action Items • Virtual Computing • Concern for performance of server • Concern for students not having laptops • Policy • (Mark) Generate straw man policy proposal and circulate to the committee members • Hardware maintenance after 3-5 yrs • Desktop systems • Number allowed per person • Dual boot • Reasonable Service • Software Licensing • Mathematica License is expiring Nov 1

  13. Discussion & Action Items • Web Server • Immediate need for Windows based server for class • Schedule meeting with ICPA unit to discuss offerings • Check website offerings around campus • Write requirements / wish list for EAS website • Quantify and Qualify website design • Grants & Contracts • Schedule meeting with OSP to discuss computer hardware, software, and maintenance for proposals

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