Information Technology Services

Get Ready for a New Phone System and New Phone Numbers

Information Technology Services (ITS) is currently leading an initiative to replace MSU Denver’s telephone system. This initiative was prompted by a decision by the three institutions that share the Auraria Campus (MSU Denver, the University of Colorado Denver, and the Community College of Denver) to each manage their own telephone system, rather than share a single system provided by the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC).

After evaluating numerous options, ITS determined that Skype for Business (S4B) may be the best solution, because it is a customizable software that provides cutting-edge capabilities and it is already included our Office 365 suite of applications. In fact, ITS believes that using S4B with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phones/headsets will provide the University with a robust, unified communications solution including many useful features that aren’t available with our current phone system.

In order to fully evaluate the viability of implementing S4B University-wide, a pilot test is currently being conducted within the ITS department. As part of the pilot, ITS staff are testing the usage of S4B with various types of VoIP phones/headsets to determine which type will best meet the needs of the University. So far, the S4B solution has revealed improved call quality, built-in directory information, integration of voicemail with e-mail, conferencing features, and the convenience of self-configuration of features.

After an appropriate telecommunications solution has been determined, ITS will distribute VoIP phones/headsets to all University departments in phases. Due to this change, new telephone numbers will be assigned to replace most existing phone numbers. You will be contacted prior to receiving your new telephone and telephone number.

We thank you in advance for your patience and support with this important initiative. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 303-352-7548 or support.msudenver.edu.

Let the Learning Begin!

ITS is proud to announce that Lynda.com it now available for all MSU Denver faculty and staff to use for free! Lynda.com, an online education company, offers thousands of video courses in software, creative, and business skills. To access Lynda.com, go to www.lynda.com and select the sign-in option in the upper right corner of the page.  In the sign-in window, click on the, “Sign in with your organization portal” link below the Continue button.  You’ll be directed to our MSUDenver.edu single sign-on page where you can sign in using your MSU Denver NetID and NetID password.

Lynda.com has a number of very helpful video training sessions on some of our newest technical offerings, including Office 365 and Skype for Business.

Keep What’s Private, Private

From the Educause Security Awareness Initiative webpage

You exist in digital form all over the Internet. It is important to ensure that the “digital you” matches what you are intending to share. It is also critical to guard your privacy — not only to avoid embarrassment, but also to protect your identity and finances!

Data Privacy Day is held on January 28^th.  You can find Data Privacy Day information and tips at staysafeonline.org. Here are a few specific steps you can take to protect your online information, identity, and privacy.

• Use a unique password for each site. Hackers often use previously compromised information to access other sites. Choosing unique passwords keeps that risk to a minimum.
• Use a password manager. Using an encrypted password manager to store your passwords makes it easy to access and use a unique password for each site.
• Know what you are sharing. Check the privacy settings on all of your social media accounts; some even include a wizard to walk you through the settings. Always be cautious about what you post publicly.
• Guard your date of birth and telephone number. These are key pieces of information used for verification, and you should not share them publicly. If an online service or site asks you to share this critical information, consider whether it is important enough to warrant it.
• Keep your work and personal presences separate. Your employer has the right to access your e-mail account, so you should use an outside service for private e-mails. This also helps you ensure uninterrupted access to your private e-mail and other services if you switch employers.
• There are no true secrets online. Use the postcard or billboard test: Would you be comfortable with everyone reading a message or post? If not, don't share it.