RSCs – Stimulating and Supporting Innovation in Learning
A major element in the RSC's work is the provision of technical advice and support to colleges, about both their present operational issues and about technical developments which might affect them in the future. Whether users are concerned about general issues such as network security and authentication, or more specific queries about particular software problems, the RSC is here to help. We can offer direct support ourselves, or act as a bridge between colleges and the wide range of specialist JISC support services which exist to back up the RSC in this area.
Any member of staff in FE or supported HE who is working with information technology in the delivery of teaching and learning is eligible for support. Depending on the nature of the query, the RSC can draw on a range of technical training and support options.
JANET(UK) are pleased to announce the launch of a trial for its latest service development JANET Talk, an exciting feature rich voice and collaboration application for JANET users and their associates.
JANET Talk enables multipoint collaboration sessions using tools such as video, shared whiteboard, text chat, and application sharing. Users have the ability to communicate using a PC based desktop client and collaborate using the power and reach of the JANET Network. JANET Talk will also provide users with the ability to make voice calls into the PSTN, taking advantage of potentially lower call costs.
JANET Talk will initially be rolled out on a trial basis to determine that user requirements are met; to validate the initial service model that has been defined; and to understand how this powerful tool can play a part in the IT strategies of JANET connected sites. The initial trial will take place in March 2008 and will comprise of approximately 50 JANET connected organisations deploying a maximum of 100 JANET Talk clients each.
Further details
UKERNA is developing a voice and collaboration environment for the JANET community, called JANET Talk. It is anticipated that an initial service will be available in Summer 2007. This document gives a taster of what the service should provide. Download the JANET Talk Flyer (PDF document: 280 KB)
PageOne and UKERNA signed contracts on 26 April 2007 for the new JANET txt service. The service, due to be fully operation in May, will give organisations excellent value for money, achieved through economies of scale and aggregated procurement and will provide a rich set of functional elements. More information on JANET txt .
Bandwidth Management Advisory Service - provides advice to client institutions to help maximise the efficiency of their bandwidth resources including both the JANET connection and inter-site links. The service comprises a helpdesk together with published guidance on the use of bandwidth management technologies, reports on the evaluations and trials of relevant products.
Multi-site Connectivity Advisory Service - addresses issues regarding the WAN and LAN links on the client side of the main JANET connection. Advice and guidance is available on the options open to customers for connecting or upgrading network links between campuses and to remote centres. The service can put enquirers in contact with expert advisors, suppliers and telcos and a range of technical information and case studies covering a wide variety of technologies and implementations is published.
Video Technology Advisory Service - provides advice and information to current and potential users of video technology within the JANET community. VTAS conducts detailed evaluations of video technology and videoconferencing products and aims to develop documentation of interest to both end users and technical/support staff. Access is provided to a team of specialist advisors, and an on-site consultancy service is available for those sites requiring specific, detailed advice (a charge is made for this service). An equipment test and demonstration facility is also available.
JANET Voice Advisory Service - wide ranging and vendor-independent advice on technologies and implementation is available from the JANET Voice Advisory Service (VAS) on all aspects of Voice over IP (VoIP) and IP Telephony. Typical areas in which the service is able to provide independent technical support to institutions are; interconnecting traditional PBX equipment over network links using IP, implement IP telephony, utilising VoIP in the form of MSN, AOL, GoogleTalk, Skype etc., connecting to an ISP PSTN gateway service. The e-mail/telephone advisory service is free of charge for JANET customers, but for in-depth support a chargeable consultancy brokering service is also available. VAS will also support the JANET voice collaboration service.
JANET Wireless Technology Advisory Service - launched in April 2007, this service will provide specialist advice and guidance on all aspects of IEEE 802.11-based wireless technologies to those responsible for deploying and managing wireless networks within JANET connected organisations. The service will maintain a watch on technological and best practice developments and working towards quality assurance mechanisms. Typical areas in which the service is able to provide independent technical support to institutions include; security techniques, surveying and monitoring, WLAN management, standards and technologies, user support models.
The UCISA Information Security Toolkit is intended to support UK Higher and Further Education Institutions in producing Information Security policies to address (and to demonstrate that they are addressing) threats to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information systems for which they are responsible, and to help meet audit requirements.
The sections draw heavily on British Standard BS 7799, not least by adopting its structure for control objectives and controls. Request a hard copy form your RSC or download a PDF version of the Toolkit from the UCISA website.
The JVCS Booking Service enables registered users to create videoconference booking requests and to view the details of videoconferencing facilities at any of the JANET registered organisations.
UKERNA (United Kingdom Education and Research Networking Association) and InTechnology, the outsourced managed data services provider, have reached an agreement to enable cost effective delivery of automated data back-up, data archiving, hosting and web file services to institutions connected to the JANET network.
This is UKERNA’s first such agreement with a commercial service provider, resulting in 20-40% discount off list price. Read the UKERNA and InTechnology anouncement
Technical problems often can't wait until someone attends a course to be solved. They need tackling immediately, especially if they're affecting operations directly and students or staff are involved. The RSC offers direct, over-the-phone suport for cases such as these, and we'll do everything we can to provide a solution for you as quickly as possible.
Telephone Number: (0)131 559 4112
