Computer Associates Unicenter TNG teaches Fordham University how to control its heterogeneous desktop environment

Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA), the world`s leading eBusiness solutions provider, has announced that Fordham University is adopting Unicenter TNG as a centralized management solution for its heterogeneous desktop environment. CA Services assisted Fordham with the Unicenter TNG deployment.

Founded in 1841, Fordham was the first Catholic institution of higher learning in the North-East United States. It is an independent University in the Jesuit tradition, which includes 700 faculty members, 2,000 staff and 14,000 students. With campuses in three New York State locations, its computing environment is both regionally dispersed and highly diversified.

Over the years, Fordham`s IT environment evolved into a complex network that is comprised of multiple platforms and operating systems (Solaris, NT, Win 95/98, UNIX, Alpha NT, Mac, VMS); assorted hardware (DEC Alpha, VAX, Compaq, Sun); and applications (Oracle, Lotus, SQL Server, Support Magic, SCT, DRA). Fordham contacted Global Network Solutions (GNS), a division of Itochu Technology, Inc. and a CA Enterprise Solution Provider, to help manage a major asset management project designed to catalogue and refresh its hardware inventory. The University leases approximately 90 percent of its computer equipment, but lacked an efficient system to track, manage and replace several thousand units of equipment coming off lease in any given year.

"When we realized that it could potentially turn into a six-figure contract every quarter just to manage desktop assets manually, we suggested to the Fordham`s senior management that they put that money to better use by investing in infrastructure," says Frank Kavilanz, Itochu Technology, Inc., Director, Strategic Business Development. "With the University possessing such a diverse number of systems, Unicenter TNG became the obvious choice."

The University administration agreed and installed Unicenter TNG along with its Asset Management Option (AMO) to catalogue and remotely monitor all hardware and software assets. CA Services worked closely with GNS during the implementation to make the transition as seamless as possible. "CA Services and GNS listened carefully and executed the administration`s strategic vision to our complete satisfaction," says Brian Rothschild, Fordham Internet Strategist.

Fordham is now no longer tasked with physically inventorying 2,500 desktops in three locations to perform manual discovery of asset management information. "Unicenter TNG helps us operate proactively, allowing IT staff to focus on core educational issues, rather than an endless roster of IT management tasks," adds Rothschild. "We are free to focus on long-term strategic planning as opposed to getting mired down in maintenance and installation problems."

Based on advice from its risk management auditors, Fordham will use AMO to track and enforce licensing agreements. AMO is helping the University guard against any breaches in software licensing, as well as preventing overpayment on software by providing an automated method of accurately metering software licenses.

Moreover, by incorporating the Software Delivery Option (SDO) of Unicenter TNG, administrators can consistently install/uninstall software on all systems from a central location, eliminating the need to visit each desktop.

"It took us a year to roll out Lotus Notes to every desktop, with the help of three or four outside contractors," says Rothschild. "During that time, our IT staff found it difficult to keep up with their regular work, especially user support. I`m happy to say that with Unicenter TNG those days are behind us."

With CA solutions, Fordham is reducing costs and increasing productivity, while providing better quality of data that is more readily available. While this project was extensive, it is only the beginning. In addition to extending the reach of Unicenter TNG into its Law School (another 500 desktops and 45 NT servers), Fordham plans to explore CA`s Neugents technology to prepare itself for the eCommerce arena. This ambitious project involves interfacing its legacy systems to make all information available online, videoconference registration and online payment of donations. "Students will be able to register, view grades, pay bills and view financial aid packages on line, making it easier for them to apply for assistance," says Rothschild. "As a result of the success of this installation, we are also looking at including a CA-based class on enterprise systems management in our computer science curriculum."