August 26, 2005
To: UCOP Community
From: Kristine Hafner, Associate Vice President, Information Resources
and Communications (IR&C)
Because of increasing IT security threats, IR&C has launched
the "Managed Desktop Initiative" (MDI), which establishes a process
for ongoing management of the UCOP desktop environment. The MDI
involves a number of key projects, including provision of a standard
desktop image, or configuration, to all UCOP Microsoft Windows users,
followed by migration to the Active Directory and implementation
of an integrated e-mail and calendar system. Some of you already
have migrated to the new desktop image with the help of your PC
coordinators; others will migrate before the end of September. At
a recent meeting, the President and Vice Presidents expressed their
strong support for this initiative to secure UCOP's desktop computing
environment. You can learn more about the MDI at http://www.ucop.edu/irc/mdi
.
The managed desktop configuration incorporates the latest Microsoft
operating system and software, as well as tools that will enable
IR&C to automate security and anti-virus updates and thus limit
the vulnerabilities that threaten networked computers. This configuration
also will enable IR&C to ensure compliance with the UCOP security
requirements for all networked devices announced last spring and
effective July 1, 2005 (http://www.ucop.edu/irc/policy/ucop/ucopitpolicies.html).
In addition, implementation of the managed desktop will enable UCOP
personnel to benefit from secure wireless connectivity and, when
required for business purposes, remote access to UCOP systems.
Later this year, once users are incorporated into the managed desktop,
IR&C plans to offer Microsoft Exchange with Outlook as UCOP's
supported e-mail and calendar system. This will allow for the integration
of e-mail, calendar, and personal productivity tools, with access
via the Web as well as the desktop.
If you have any questions about the initiative, please contact your
departmental PC coordinator or Paul Weiss, Director, IR&C Technology
Support Services. We recognize that the MDI will require changes
at your desktop, however, efforts to ensure greater IT security
for UCOP are critical. Your support is greatly appreciated.
