Pre conference sessions

 

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) (Harris 1)

Time:  1000 – 1100

Date:  Wednesday 23 March 2011

University of Plymouth, Birds of a Feather session

Many sites have embedded large scale deployments of server and storage virtualisation as part of their IT infrastructure. Large scale Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) deployments are much less common. VDI claims include:

• Reduction in Total Cost of Ownership
• Increased reliability, efficiency & security
• Improved performance
• Service to remote and mobile users
• Easier migration  – e.g. to Windows 7

So is this hype or reality? If you have a story to tell  - whether this is an initial business case, proof of concept, pilot, or live service – your experience to date would be welcome.
To register contact: facilitator,Geoff Bouch geoff.bouch@plymouth.ac.uk
Head of Information & Communication Technology
University of Plymouth

 

ICM Pre conference session (Carrick)

 

Time:  1015 – 1115

 

Date:  Wednesday 23 March 2011

Come and join us for two lively interactive presentations on the following subjects: -

Smartsourcing, Rightsourcing – buzzwords? (15 mins) Organisations need to focus their precious resources on what they do best in order to innovate on their core activities. But, they also need partners who can continue to innovate on the non-core operations that they outsource. Smart-sourcing advocates using partners who can:-

• help a company to focus on its core
• balance risk and opportunity
• lower costs
• contribute to innovation

Outsourcing or co-sourcing are essential components but only if they pave the way for organisations to free up resources to focus on core competencies that lead to greater innovation. What could you source smarter freeing up your valuable, innovative staff?  How would you priorities your sourcing activities? What kind of a partner would you look for?

The aim of this session is to provide an insight into Servo’s (ICM’s) consultative approach to sourcing IT Services.

Enabling Shared Services through Managed Hosting in the cloud (25 mins)

The Higher Education sector must reduce cost in its IT operations. UCISA, HEFCE, JANET and JISC all acknowledge the need for the HE sector to migrate to Shared Services, and are all launching initiatives to assist institutions in these goals. There are many commercial organisations with capability to make Shared Services a reality today. This session aims to:

Provide an open forum for discussion
Examine the barriers that thus far have prevented Universities from achieving Shared Services
Illustrate how contracting with commercial organisations can assist you in overcoming these barriers
Provide an overview of the services commercial organisations can offer, which will provide cost reduction, and a painless migration path.

This session is recommended for all representatives of institutions concerned with IT strategy.

A and Networking (plus a free chocolate Easter egg for all our guests!) (20 mins)

To register contact: Marie Aldridge or 0121 380 2095

 

Future HE information landscape – software house meeting (Harris 1) 

 

Time: 1100 - 1200

 

Date: Wednesday 23 March 2011

UCISA/HESA 

The Higher Education Better Regulation Group have undertaken some research on reporting burdens placed on HE institutions and the issue of regulatory burden is high on the agenda as the government in England consider the HE White Paper.

UCISA and HESA have arranged a briefing on the emerging thinking around the future of statutory and regulatory reporting in the HE sector. The briefing, which will be given by the Director of Standards and Development at HESA, Andy Youell, will also consider implications for data management in corporate information systems at institutions.

The event is open to suppliers and representatives from institutions with bespoke/in house systems.

 

Olympics 2012  (Ochil Room)

 

Time: 1115–1215

Date: Wednesday 23 March 2011

Loughborough University

Loughborough University is hosting the GB and Japanese teams for preparation camps in the run up to the games, and finding that this is somewhat more complex than the normal vacation conference and bed and breakfast operations. Related to IT and comms there is quite a bit to think about – IT Support for visitors’ own devices (some no doubt with Japanese keyboards), internet cafes, wireless access, press facilities, video conferencing, security implications, identity management, etc etc.  Loughborough is planning to recruit 1000 volunteers to help with the overall hosting operation, and this in itself poses some interesting identity management questions.

They have been liaising closely with JANET(UK) about how their network can support this work, and recently gave a joint presentation with them at the Podium conference.  Podium is the HE/FE unit for the Olympic Games.  http://www.podium.ac.uk/

The aim of this meeting is to get in touch with colleagues from other universities and colleges also hosting teams, providing venues, and otherwise involved with the Olympics, to share information and solutions.  There will also be a poster as a place for interested parties to gather during the poster session.

If you have an interest in this because of your institution’s involvement, please email Carys Thomas back with the issues you are considering

Please also let Carys Thomas know if you plan to attend the above networking session.