About SOLUTION 08

The project is to develop a solution for ECUs new software Standard Operating Environment (SOE) and ensure it functions to the needs of university staff and students. The SOE has been deployed to 1200 student / ECU Advantage computers, and is in the process of being deployed to staff computers which are managed by ITSC. The 1st phase of the staff rollout completed on 20th of March 2009 with over 55% of the computers migrated to Vista. The 2nd phase of the staff rollout is delayed until the enterprise systems (Finance and Alesco) are made Vista compliant.

How does SOLUTION 08 compare to the current SOE, Elevation 04 (Windows XP)?

  • More reliable
  • 7 times less likely to have browser security threats *
  • Malicious and Potentially Unwanted Software infections significantly lower under Vista *
  • More adaptable and flexible
  • Better and quicker search functionality
  • Better support for laptops and tablet PC's
  • Enhanced graphic user interface
  • Easier to connect to network locations and services

What are the benefits of ECU deploying SOLUTION 08?

  • Better power management features reducing carbon footprint in line with ECU's environmental policies
  • Remove administrator privileges to reduce ECU’s security risks from spyware/malware/viruses
  • Remove administrative privileges to prevent user initiated error without reducing functionality
  • Decrease support costs associated with managing multiple environments
  • Maintain an easily supportable environment
  • Leverage the existing software inventory to determine applications available in the environment
  • Ensure that all computers have operating systems and core applications that can support the university initiatives
  • Reduce Service Desk calls by standardising the SOE environments
  • Ensure that all computers have sufficient resources to operate Microsoft Vista
  • Increase the reliability of roaming profiles synchronisation
  • Decrease support costs associated with managing multiple environments
  • Maintain an easily supportable environment

* Source: The Microsoft Security Intelligence Report : January -June 2008