University of Maine System Restructures Information Technology Services

All System-wide information technology services provided to the institutions of the University of Maine System are now consolidated within the newly-named office of UMS Information Technology Services under the leadership of Ralph Caruso, the System's first Chief Information Officer.

The Mission of Information Technology Services (ITS):

The mission of Information Technology Services is to maintain an integrated, efficient, sustainable, and responsive program of information systems, technologies and services for the University of Maine System.  This includes technology and infrastructure support services for academic, research and administrative computing, distance education, intercampus communication services, telecommunications, telephony, and Internet services, network and systems services, and security.

The four units of UMS Information Technology Services and the specific services they provide are:

• Systems and Operations, headed by Associate Director John Grover, is responsible for processes that support the University of Maine System and the Maine School and Libraries Network.  This includes design, implementation, operation, maintenance, and enhancement of the complex computer systems and operating processes used in UMS and in MSLN-both software and hardware.  This unit also oversees all data center operations.
• Academic Technologies and End-User Support, headed by Associate Director John Forker, delivers and supports distance learning, instructional television, video conferencing and desktop computing.  This unit supports audio/video conference bridging, and provides help desk services, special technical project consulting, media duplication for courses ( DVDs, tapes), special video events (satellite, DOE, ITV), and licensing of music rights.
• Communications & Network Services, headed by Associate Director Jeffrey Letourneau, designs, implements, oversees, operates, maintains, and supports all communications systems and networks, including network infrastructure, tele- and video communications, and help desk services in support of the University of Maine System, the Maine School and Library Network, and the Department of Education's Distance Learning Network.
• Administrative Systems Development and Support, and Project Enterprise are headed by Director Cindy Mitchell.  Project Enterprise, the University System's enterprise resource project, implements and maintains the new Oracle/PeopleSoft administrative software system.  Administrative Systems Development and Support designs, builds, and maintains all of the centrally deployed production software systems (WebDSIS, ISIS, et al.) currently used by UMS institutions.