Here’s a brief update on many of our major activities,
organized by our five strategic themes.

Increase Value Through Differentiation & Innovation

University Firewall: ISC is deploying the University Firewall to help prevent network attacks and limit the number of computer compromises affecting PennNet. The Firewall identifies and blocks malicious traffic while allowing Penn’s desired traffic to flow freely.  Penn networks are being migrated behind the Firewall in stages: currently all of Penn’s wireless networks have been successfully migrated, with wired PennNet networks being migrated over the coming months in close collaboration with individual Schools and Centers.

HireIT: ISC is proud to launch HireIT, which provides high-quality IT support services to ensure the availability of computing resources used by members of the University community on a daily basis.

File Storage & Sharing: Dropbox is being evaluated as a campus option.

Secure Remote Backup: Mozy is being evaluated as our new service vendor.

PennO365:  A Skype for Business (SfB) pilot is underway, and the PennO365 team is working with Microsoft to develop a framework for broader implementation. PSOM is planning on migrating approximately 700 Exchange accounts to PennO365. Migrations are expected to be completed before winter break. For additional information about PennO365, please read our latest Service Update online.

Strengthen & Optimize IT @ Penn

Pennant: The Next Generation Student Systems (NGSS) project will host a town hall meeting on the planning and development of Pennant Records and Pennant Aid from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14, in room G-17 of Claudia Cohen Hall.  Project managers will present a concise overview of the multiyear effort, including an update on funding, scope, anticipated benefits, work now underway, and projected timelines for both Pennant Records and Pennant Aid. In addition, they will discuss how the new systems are expected to affect administrative and academic functions and communities, highlighting the contributions of the many advisory groups and individuals crucial to the successful implementation of these new systems.

Human Capital Management: We are in Phase III of the Human Capital Management (HCM) program. HCM aims to increase Penn’s HR and Payroll work efficiency, enhance our ability to be responsive to changes in regulatory and compliance issues, improve the user experience, and improve information quality and access. During Phase I we documented four current state processes for both staff and faculty: Recruit, Hire, Onboard and Labor Distribution. During Phase II we documented an additional 12 processes, baselined the current HR/PR operation, identified short term HCM process and technology improvements, and developed a comprehensive communications plan. During Phase III we are developing the proposed HCM Service Delivery Model (the “to-be”), issuing RFPs for products and integrators, and choosing a software solution to support our “to-be” model.

Business Optimization, Harmonization & Transparency

Application Rationalization Project: The results of the Application Rationalization Project were reviewed with IT Roundtable, and additional campus presentations are scheduled.  Here are a few findings: Approximately 1,000 ‘applications’ were clarified down to 305 significant applications; ISC has a high degree of diversity in technologies and approaches requiring unique and uncommon skills; most applications identified with risk are already covered by an existing migration plan; and application risks are related to resource skills/knowledge, technology of underlying software, and vendors. Please feel free to contact either Jeanne Curtis or Rosey Nissley with any questions.

IT Financial Management: The Apptio invoicing pilot has been successful throughout Q1 for a dozen pilot services. We are piloting online invoice access with some campus clients. We are now working on using the Apptio data to debit the general ledger on a monthly basis. We will be reaching out to ITR and Senior BAs to introduce the new invoicing for these services shortly.

Continuous Improvement

Service & Project Management: ISC's Portfolio Management Team is supporting several new or improved services, including University Firewall, HireIT, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, Secure Remote Backup, and Video Content Management.

Cloud First

Lunchtime Learning Session: You are invited to the Application Design & Tools and Integration teams’ Lunchtime Learning session on tool selection, integration research, and progress on Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. in Houston Hall, Bodek Lounge. 

Cloud Resources Library: Please explore the hundreds of resources available in the growing Cloud Resources section of our Cloud First Website.

Cloud First Update: Please read our latest full update online. 

Thank you for your continued support,

The ISC Leadership Team