Core Computer Systems
Replacement Study: $1
million
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There is a high potential for core computer
systems failure at Washington State University. The 30-year-old central systems
are at risk for a prolonged period of shutdown in the event of a disaster or an
emergency. The University has an urgent need to replace aging core computer
systems for administration and student support and requests $1 million for a
core computer systems replacement feasibility study.
The funding is recommended in the proposed Senate Supplemental Operating Budget
(Striking Amendment to SHB 2765) but is not included in the House budget
proposal.
The
request is made in accordance with state Information Service Board (ISB)
guidelines and in consultation with state Department of Information Systems.
Current WSU core computer systems were designed with 1970’s technology and are
no longer able to provide the level of service required to serve its students,
faculty, staff, public, and the State of Washington. The feasibility study lays
the groundwork for a successful project plan with the goal of deploying modern,
reliable, sustainable, vendor-supported business systems.
New core computer systems will, for example, provide students access to a range
of new and improved services and information including improved application for
admission, course registration, financial aid, billing services, library, and
other learning resources, health and safety, and employment.
The proposed feasibility study will address the related need to upgrade fiber
and building electronics to support higher network speeds, the
impact on peripheral electronic systems that interface to the core
computer systems, end user reporting, improved security, and virtually all
university business that requires central electronic data collection and
processing.
The feasibility study will also focus on inadequate electrical and data backup
running on outdated equipment that leaves WSU especially vulnerable to system
failure following electrical surges or outages that can follow severe storms.
The potential for major core computer systems
failure is at a critical level. For
example:
-
The necessary and reliable software for
recruiting prospective students and managing the needs of current students
does not exist today.
-
Departments are spending time and money buying non-integrated hardware and
software products
-
There is no systems support for centralized institutional decision
making with regard to funding, enrollment, accountability measures etc. Shadow
systems and databases with inaccurate and confusing information make centralized
decision making and reporting difficult or impossible.
-
Current core computer systems are 30 years old and require an
extraordinary amount of maintenance and reprogramming compared to modern
systems.
-
The lack of a site license for a central database (which requires
updated core computer systems) is hampering WSU’s faculty research.
-
Current core computer systems do not support accurate and timely
means for managing grants. Grant
management is essential to growing university research and supporting economic
development.
-
While some student and administrative core computer systems exist,
they are not integrated with other systems that serve students at the
university. The older systems do not handle complex tasks well, which makes it
nearly impossible to provide some services.
-
Internet capacity to WSU and within the institution is inadequate to
handle the volume of data necessary to integrate and service new core computer
systems.
-
While WSU’s security practices are adequate, the institution needs enhanced
methods and tools to detect breaches and take appropriate and timely action.
For more information:
Larry Ganders,
Assistant to the President
Washington State
University
(360) 956-2165
Cell (360) 280-6320
411 11th
Avenue SE, Suite 201
Olympia, Washington
98501
www.olympia.wsu.edu
