Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going

Significant changes have occurred in 2006-2007 in the ITS Department. ITS staff have begun to view projects as deliverables, strive to improve communication, and seek to find project champions outside ITS to sponsor projects. The following are a few key ITS project highlights from 2006-2007:

• First year where all desktops and laptops have been integrated into a rotation cycle
• Integrated 10 Department of Family Medicine networks with the University of Wisconsin Medical Foundation network to improve redundancy
• Reduced networking costs (saved $19,000)
• Coordinated technology changes between Research Park and Verona
• Updated servers to enterprise class servers with a rotation cycle
• Changed usernames and synchronized passwords between DFM and UWMF
• New DFM Web Oversight Committee approved the new external web site
• Implemented a new Content Management System for the Department web site
• Developed reporting tools for the Human Resource Database
• Designed customized databases for research and other projects
• Coordinated the GroupWise migration with the UWMF staff
• Launched a new PDA pilot with residents to be able to securely sync at home
• Upgraded AV technology in the Alumni Hall Mendota Conference Room
• Integrated IRIS reporting thru New Innovations at DFM sites
• Expanded statewide video conferencing

In efforts to help provide more proactive communication, ITS began posting project updates every other month on the ITS section of the Department web site. In the spring of 2007, ITS conducted a Department survey and shared the survey results with the mission-based groups to prepare and plan for projects in 2007-2008.

Currently, ITS is in the process of reducing the duplication of technology services between DFM and UWMF by migrating GroupWise and Novell file services to UWMF. After the Novell file service migration is complete, the time spent managing GroupWise and Novell will be used to support the unique academic functions that go beyond the scope of UMWF technical support, such as:

• Video conferencing
• Technology training
• Clinic support

In the spring of 2007, the ITS staff attended a project management training session. Staff learned that we have the following opportunities:

• Improve in the areas of outlining the scope of projects with stakeholders
• Complete work breakdown structures
• Track how much time is spent on projects in order to provide baselines in planning future projects

To view ITS projects completed in 2006-2007, please visit:

Summary of ITS Completed Projects
https://inside.fammed.wisc.edu/its/its-2006-2007-summary-overview.pdf

Completed ITS Projects Listed By Quarter
https://inside.fammed.wisc.edu/its/its-2006-2007-detailed-summary-quarter.pdf.

Please join me in acknowledging the ITS staff for their outstanding work and commitment to service throughout this past year. And as we continue to improve processes, I welcome your feedback. michelle.wood@fammed.wisc.edu, 608-263-0494