Findlay, Ohio - To improve the delivery of critical services such as the Web, e-mail, Blackboard and more, UF’s Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) is in the midst of planning for the replacement of the University’s network hardware.

Scott Walthour, information technology officer for the campus, said a two-stage process is already under way.  The first stage seeks manufacturer’s recommended hardware specifications for UF’s needs; the second solicits competitive bids based on the testing of the hardware. ITS plans to have the new network in place for the fall 2006 semester.

“This network represents a nearly $2 million investment in technology, our largest single ongoing investment for academic support,” Walthour said.
Established on a four-year replacement cycle so UF stays at the forefront of telecommunications and technology advances, this network will be connected directly to Ohio’s Third Frontier Network.

“Given the University’s expansion during the four years since the network was last replaced, and the dramatic increase in online usage as well, the scope and import of this project is enormous,” Walthour said. “The cost to replace the network and to be well prepared for future expansion will be nearly twice that spent in 2001-02.”

Since an Oct. 31, 2005, deadline for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from network manufacturers, ITS’ network services team has been busy testing network equipment. In an effort to ensure whatever solution is selected works especially well in residence hall areas, network services manager Jay Reffner and network technician Scott Wolke have been conducting controlled tests within a lab environment on manufacturers’ equipment. When assured this equipment will work well within our existing network, they then install and monitor this equipment directly in production areas for more monitoring and testing.

“To minimize disruption to the campus community, Jay and Scott have worked many long nights, installing equipment long after most people have gone to sleep,” Walthour said.

Testing of all network equipment is nearly complete. Next steps include asking vendors for competitive pricing for the solutions they’ve offered, making a final selection based on an empirical evaluative scoring process, and procuring and installing the new network equipment. Replacement of network equipment will occur in phases to minimize disruption to the campus community and manage the size of the project, with replacement expected to be completed over the summer.

Walthour said that most users will probably appreciate the increased speed and reliability of the new network, which will also provide greater security.

For more information, contact Suzanne English, UF director of public information, at 419-434-4425 or 419-306-7552 - cell.