Cellular access via T-Mobile to e-mail via MS Exchange
In long term move away from Microsoft servers to open source Linux servers for security, stability, and speed
Move away from layered secure connection systems such as VPN to simpler secure remote system access tools such as ssh
Implement easily used system for access to departmental data on shared folders from anywhere in the world via a web browser
Data
Adequate immediate shared data storage
Accessible storage of older data in near term
Long-term off-site archival storage
Provide economical automatic off-site backup with rotation cycle
Develop and support a secure open-source web-oriented quick launch research database system that is accessible from anywhere and for which users can easily specify field descriptions and quality checks that automatically generate web forms and SQL table structures. The system should handle standard research forms as well as data from tissue samples and high-density information.
Systems and Programming Support
Fairly priced systems administration and user support for those divisions and departments not hiring their own systems administrator or user support personnel
Fairly priced server adminstration for departments wishing to have their own Linux or Microsoft server but not wanting to hire a server administrator
Quality web site support available to all departments
Provide a fee-for-service computational web application service using open-source tools (e.g., http://www.r-project.org)
Fee-based support and customized programming for small and large department-initiated projects
In long term become more independent of Microsoft by encouraging users to use Linux desktop and server machines
In short term support Linux users and negotiate discounts for hardware preconfigured with Linux
Administrative Computing
Insure that high priority and adequate funding are given to development of grant tracking, personnel effort tracking, and other research grant administrative tasks. Evaluate whether another academic medical center has already developed a suitable system that can be ported to Vanderbilt.