Enhancing Loyola's Computing Environment With Microsoft Active Directory

In order to simplify and improve upon the computing environment, Technology Services will be implementing a change to all desktop computers during the Spring Semester of 2008. It is the intention of Technology Services to make this move virtually transparent to our users and their workflow, with the exception of a few minor, and what we hope will be welcomed, changes.

The purpose of this project is to better align the College's computing environment with industry standards, which will make future technologies easier to implement and more cost-effective. Specifically, the migration is the first step Technology Services is taking to begin moving away from Novell software and services, and toward the full scale adoption of Microsoft Active Directory software on all 2,500 desktop computers throughout Loyola's offices, classrooms, labs and conference rooms. Previously, the use of Novell network solutions required Technology Services to layer-in additional software to receive a complete array of services, creating complexity for end-users and technology support personnel. Migrating to an all-Microsoft environment will allow us to receive the same network services and remove the extraneous layer.

For this project to be successful, we request your cooperation and accommodation of our technicians so that they may be physically present to make the change and answer any questions you might have. This also enables us to make sure all software works as it did prior to the change. A series of appointments will be coordinated with each department. The first such appointment in this series will involve staff from Technology Services interviewing designated members of each department to learn of any special software in use and to schedule the changes around departmental busy times. Using the information gathered, we will then do our best to schedule the procedure at a time which meets both your requirements and convenience. It is necessary for you to be present when we make the changes to your personal computer in order to verify that it functions properly before we leave.

As the project unfolds, information as to its status, as well as appointment scheduling, will be posted here at loyola.edu/ad. Additionally, if you have any questions, feel free to call the Technology Service Center at x5555 or send an e-mail to tsc@loyola.edu.