In a recent message to the campus community, President Ron Thomas announced the launch of Optimize Puget Sound, a project built around the replacement of the university’s Cascade and Banner systems with an integrated software solution from Oracle. MIS will assist with the implementation, which will span two years.

“This project is not just about employing new technology at Puget Sound,” President Thomas wrote. “It is about optimizing the ways in which we work together, the ease in which we access and analyze information, and the quality of the services we offer. It is essential to keeping us a competitive and effective college for the future.”

A kickoff event is scheduled for later this fall. For more information on that and other aspects of the project, please see pugetsound.edu/optimize.

Beginning with the start of fall semester, the Technology Service Desk will be the new location for checking out conference phones. This service was provided previously by Mail Services.

To reserve a conference phone, contact the Service Desk at 253.879.8585, servicedesk@pugetsound.edu, or by visiting the Tech Center in the lower level of Collins Memorial Library. Phones may be picked up at the Media Services Desk in the Tech Center from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

As the start of fall semester approaches, Technology Services is pleased to introduce free cable connections in all residence halls, houses, and Greek residences. No box is required; students can just plug in standard or high definition TVs, and they’ll be good to go!

The basic lineup includes 82 channels, most of which also broadcast in digital HD. Additional premium packages, cable modems for personal Internet access beyond what the university offers, and DVRs can be purchased directly from Click! Cable TV at clickcabletv.com.

See the channel lineup and learn more information on this great new service!

SoundNet, the campus intranet, is sporting a new look these days. Login with your Puget Sound username and password at https://soundnet.pugetsound.edu to check it out!

Technology Services is pleased to offer SoundNet training sessions this summer for members of the campus community. For more information, contact the Technology Service Desk at 253.879.8585 or servicedesk@pugetsound.edu.

Beginner and advanced training sessions are available for anyone interested in using SoundNet, the campus intranet. See the schedule of available sessions and contact Lauren Nicandri at lnicandri@pugetsound.edu or 253.879.3261 for any questions or to register!

The March/April 2011 issue of the magazine, EdTech: Focus on Higher Education, features a case study of the expansion of the university’s wireless network to provide comprehensive coverage on campus. Technology Services’ very own Mark Young and Dave Hamwey are quoted extensively and appear in a photo accompanying the article.

EdTech Magazine is published quarterly by CDW-G, a leading provider of technology products and services for government and education.