ICT Update

6th June 2007

ePass live at Last!

ePass is live and operational across all schools. As with any major change there were the inevitable hiccups and we had problems on launch day due to the sudden load on the system. We believe all services are now running well and 500 account changes were processed by Tuesday afternoon. We would like to thank ICT Coordinators and school based staff for your patience during the rollout.

Welcome Bob Creek

Bob Creek joined DEET IT Services this week as the new Director of ICT Infrastructure Services. Bob will be getting a whirlwind introduction to the coalface in schools and corporate offices over the next few weeks.

Increased Bandwidth for Remote Schools

We have been trialling a new satellite service with 5 pilot schools (Bulman, Urapunga, Numbulwar, Wugularr and Ramingining) to improve the speed of internet downloads. The new service uses the IDL Optus Satellite network to provide additional inbound internet capacity for schools that only have a Telstra satellite connection.

Initial feedback from the pilot schools has been good and they are reporting significantly faster downloads for most websites. There is still some fine tuning to do but plans are now being finalised to allocate unused IDL satellite capacity to supplement Internet access speeds in some of the 54 schools that rely on Telstra satellite connections. Not all satellite connected schools will be converted but all will receive better performance as those remaining on the Telstra inbound network will get a greater slice of the total capacity which remains unchanged.

We are looking to implement the new service over the mid year break. IDL services will not be affected by the new approach because the studio broadcast traffic will receive priority access to the resources.

Server Power Supply (PSU) Failures

Many schools have experienced Hewlett Packard Server PSU’s failures. Hewlett Packard has confirmed that there were production problems with the units and they will replace all PSU's in schools that have not already had both PSU's replaced. HP have ordered the replacement parts and will organise their delivery to schools. We are not able to advise on delivery dates at this stage due to the size of the order but the priority will be to replace units in remote schools first before the end of the term.

The process will be:

For Urban Schools; you will be contacted to arrange a suitable time and a contact name. An engineer will attend your school with replacement PSU’s and perform the replacement. The engineer may request that your server be shutdown prior to swapping PSU’s.

For Remote Schools; HP will freight 2 PSU's and replacement instructions to your school. The instructions will include a HP Darwin contact telephone number in case of difficulties. HP will contact you prior to shipping to ensure that you are aware of the process. The instructions will also advise you to contact HP after replacement, to organise the return of the faulty PSU’s. The prompt return of parts to HP is appreciated.

ITSD will monitor ongoing failures to ensure that this action has been successful. We ask that you follow standard procedures and log any failures with the Editure Service Desk.

Server Power Supply Reconfiguration

In parallel with the replacement of the power supplies we will be reconfiguring the server power connections so that one supply remains connected to the UPS and the other will be directly connected to the mains power. This will mean that servers will remain operational in the event of a UPS failure.

Heat Problems with Server Cabinets

Many schools have experienced UPS failures and the manufacturer is still investigating these, however investigations have shown that the server cabinets are getting very hot in some schools with temperatures reaching 70 degrees. These high temperatures will increase failure rates and we would like schools to take the following measures to limit excess temperatures.

• Ensure server rooms have 24 x 7 air conditioning services if feasible.
• Remove front glass door from server cabinet to improve airflow through the cabinet.
• Leave a space of at least 30cm between the rear of the cabinet and the wall.
• Ensure that at least one side of the cabinet has 60cm clearance to permit unhindered access.
• Remove all paperwork, books etc from the top of the server cabinet and check the fans on the top are working well and not vibrating. If there are problems with the fans please advise us and we will order replacements.
• Request Editure to shutdown the server during extended holiday periods, should not be turned of every night as backups and server maintenance are scheduled overnight.

Network Access Storage (NAS) Options

Netgear have added the following models to their range of NAS devices. ITSD do not promote particular products, however you can navigate to http://www.netgear.com.au/Search.aspx?text=nas for product information to assist you with any NAS purchases your school may be contemplating. Netgear have provided ITSD with Government/Education pricing details. If you require EDU pricing details, please contact phillippe.monforte@nt.gov.au.