IT Transition » archive

Forums platform alternative – Vbulletin

dreid — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:22:54 +0000

Vbulletin is a web-based discussion/forums platform that the IT team will be investigating over the next few weeks. Recently, we’ve been fortunate to receive some advice from the creators of the vBulletin based website – Biome, at University of Toronto.

Students and alumni are invited to attend a series of design meetings on the content of the proposed vBulletin system. If you’re interested in the design process, please email dreid at edu.yorku.ca

Email update – Lotus Notes and Zimbra

dreid — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:17:03 +0000

Over the past few months, the EDU IT team has looked at a number of collaboration suites (details will be available in this year’s Computing Plan).

After considerable investigation and deliberation, the IT Team has focused on two offerings – IBM’s Lotus suite, including Notes, Quickr and Sametime, and Zimbra.

While both platforms offer the standard email, calendaring and contacts options, there are significant differences in approach.

Lotus Notes is often described as ‘more than email’, and to gain true value from an investment in the IBM suite, we will likely look to use Domino as an application and intranet-style platform. The latest Notes release, including iNotes, has benefitted from a ‘design makeover’ . Quickr offers an excellent teaming option for Faculty, staff and researchers.

Conversely, Zimbra, with it’s focus on web delivery and an Ajax enhanced interface, offers a familiar webmail experience for faculty and students. With Zimbra as a platform, the need for support of a dedicated email client is greatly reduced i.e. there will be some users that prefer the functionality of a ‘fat client’, but the majority of users will look to use the web based or mobile options.

The EDU IT Team has created 2 pilot environments and invited faculty and staff to participate.

Winter Courses on Moodle

dreid — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:59:45 +0000

It’s that time of year already. Time to request your Moodle courses for the winter term. If you would like to use Moodle for any of your winter courses please submit your requests as soon as possible. This will give you the time you need to get your courses up and running for the start of term.

Please see Request Course PDF for details.

One-to-one sessions will continue to be available with Kate MacMillan by appointment.

Progress Update

dreid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:11:11 +0000

Moodle – I’ve received confirmation from CNS that they have invested significant funds in the hardware infrastructure for Moodle. Subsequently, performance should be much improved. Moodle workshops continue to be available on a one-to-one basis with Kate MacMillan.

Email – The IT Team are still investigating and documenting migration options from FirstClass. Lotus Notes remains the front-runner for the core email and collaboration system, but the team are investigating alternative suites to ensure that the applications are capable of meeting our needs. The migration of email content for faculty, staff and current students will be carried out by the IT team. Further updates will be posted shortly.