Microsoft recently featured The University of Findlay’s information technology (IT) department in a new brochure, which will be used in direct mail campaigns, executive briefings, tradeshows and public relations activities. The information also will be posted on the Microsoft.com/education Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/education/partnerships.mspx

The University was chosen as a featured college in Microsoft’s Ohio brochure because UF’s partnership with Microsoft demonstrates “how schools are leveraging technology to implement 21st century solutions to address complex business challenges along with enhancing the teaching and learning process and outcomes,” according to Microsoft.

Since 2000, the University has used Microsoft SQL ServerTM for data storage and Web operations, as well as Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) for system maintenance. UF also participates in the Microsoft Campus Agreement subscription licensing program, which allows students to purchase the latest Microsoft products at a greatly reduced price.

Kelly Vackert, IT licensing and contract coordinator, explained that since UF implemented the SMS product, the IT staff can install software on computers across campus remotely and maintain an inventory of hardware and software applications on campus computers. Prior to using the SMS, staff members needed to individually schedule visits to a faculty or staff member’s computer and manually install the software.

Also, the University relies on Microsoft’s SQL Server for data storage, Web operations and handling data for the Blackboard Academic Suite.