Computer Resources and Integration

There are different organizations/units providing and supporting computing resources for the Medical Center. A brief overview may be found in our Resource Guide.  If you have trouble locating the information you need, contact the College's Information Systems Office (8-5635) for help in finding the right organization, person, or service. If you need to log a help desk call, contact 3-3861.

Computer Networks

SONNET is the University's wide-area network that links campus buildings. It provides access to local mainframes, the super-computer, local area networks, the Internet (including MEDLINE and other bibliographic databases), and various information services. Some departments are directly connected to SONNET through their local area network (LAN). Individual computers can connect directly to SONNET.

Hospitals information is provided through the Hospitals' isolated data network. There are bridges between SONNET and the Hospitals' network. Maintaining the confidentiality of patient records in a networked environment is a major consideration during network planning. If you have further questions on this topic, contact the Help Desk at 3-3861.

Many departments have their own local area network (LAN) used for maintaining software and data and to support e-mail and accessing the larger networks. Assistance in network planning is available from the Hospitals' Information Services and/or the College of Medicine and Public Health's Information Systems Office, as well as the university's Office of Information Technology.

Charge to the College's Information Systems Office

The charge to the College's Information Systems Office is "to provide (and support) end-users with the most efficient and productive technological tools . . . with the overall focus of building a foundation that will support faculty, staff and students of the College and Vice President for Health Sciences Office. . ." (as approved November 6, 1996).

Based on this charge and feedback from faculty, staff and student representatives, the Information Systems Office will prioritize based on customer-type and the associated level of service that can be delivered based on available resources.

a. Primary Customers (Full Support)

• Faculty, staff and students connecting to the College's established network(s).
• Departmental personnel assigned to work on specific College initiatives.
• Support includes:
• Complete hardware set-up and support.
• Software installation, training, and support.
• E-mail training and establishment of new accounts.
• Acquisition of hardware and software.
• Assurance of license compliance.
• Help Desk and on-site support.
• Web page development and support.
• Ongoing assessment of hardware and software needs.
• Equipment inventory.

b. Secondary Customers (Partial Services)

• Clinical and basic science departments and schools of the College not on the College's network(s).
• Departments/offices of the Office for Health Sciences.
• Support Includes:
• Limited computer/technical support -- technical guidance (based on available resources).
• Hardware and software information.
• E-mail training and establishment of new University e-mail accounts.
• Training assistance for platform-supported applications.
• Help Desk.
• Web page development and coordination/assistance.
• Assessment of hardware and software needs.

c. Tertiary Customers (Limited Consultation Services and Referrals)

• Customers who are outside the College and Office of Health Sciences, and those who have technical support and are within the College, but are seeking additional consultation.
• Support Includes:
• Limited technical guidance/consultation.
• Hardware and software information.
• Referral to appropriate resources and technical support/user groups.