Joel Arakaki has been named the new client support manager for Technology Services. As part of his duties, Joel will manage the Technology Service Desk, where he has worked as a desktop support specialist since August 2010. Joel has also held the positions of helpdesk technician at the Annie Wright School in Tacoma and assistant language teacher for Seiho High School in Fukuoka, Japan. Joel is a 2006 graduate of Puget Sound, and during his studies at the university, he also worked as a helpdesk consultant and student manager.

Joel can be reached at 253.879.3940 or jarakaki@pugetsound.edu.

Congratulations, Joel!

Technology Services is pleased to announce the following updates as of November 1:

A new image for vDesk is in place that provides faster performance, integrated language functions, and more convenient printing, among other things. Users will now see printers near their current campus location automatically displayed in applications running on vDesk.

Consultants from MIS, Inc., are now on board full-time to support Optimize Puget Sound, a mission-critical project to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all university operations. MIS will assist with the implementation of integrated software solutions from Oracle over the next two years.

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.