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Telecommunications Services
Strategic Plan
1995-96 Through 1999-2000
Telecommunications services supporting data, imaging, video, and voice
applications are important and integral parts of the University's
information resources, enhancing productivity while maintaining or
reducing the cost of doing business. Reliable, cost-effective services in
this area will become even more
important as the University community continues to evolve and change its
traditional methods of gathering and imparting knowledge in response to
the demands of the ever-changing technological environment in which we now
live.
Evaluation and integration of new technologies into the campus
environment are inherent in the University's mission, and are a key part
of the University's efforts to attract and retain outstanding students and
faculty. Information technology today is in a state of flux that will
continue for at least the next five years, and assimilation and management
of the changes associated with this will make heavy demands on the faculty
and staff. The evolving technology presents many opportunities, but we
will benefit from the changes only if we are prepared and willing to make
the necessary adaptations.
The primary mission of the Telecommuni- cations Services Department is
to provide quality, cost-effective voice communications services and
design and installation of the copper and fiber optic cable systems
supporting voice, video, and data applications.
Regulatory
Changes in governing directives as a result of telecommunications
regulatory agency actions has been a near constant for the past ten years,
and this appears unlikely to change soon. Because of this, forecasting the
impact of future actions by these bodies is difficult.
However, the rate of regulatory change can be
anticipated to continue at the same tempo as it has in the past. The major
challenges confronting the University in this area are:
- Diminishing the potential adverse impact of regulatory changes.
- Finding and capitalizing on opportunities for controlling
telecommunications costs.
Close monitoring of Indiana and Federal regulatory issues can assist in
maintaining the cost effectiveness and performance of the University's
networks. Based on trends, the following assumptions can be made about
the future directions in this area.
- The cost of usage-sensitive services, such as long distance calling,
will fluctuate very little for the next two years.
- Measured local service is unlikely in the next three to five years,
given the current opposition of the Indiana Legislature and the Indiana
Utilities Regulatory Commission. However, if this does occur, the
increase in the University's operating costs could be significant.
- While long distance trunk and other dedicated circuit rates may
stabilize or decrease due to competitive pressures, the same is not true
for local trunk and circuit rates. Larger metropolitan areas will see
competition in this area in the near future, and subsequent lowering of
rates, but it is unlikely that this will happen in smaller markets
within the next five years.
- Regulatory agencies continue to give long distance carriers more
flexibility to negotiate individual contract rates. Past actions in this
area have resulted in a more competitive marketplace and savings for the
University. This is expected to continue, but at a slower pace.
With proper planning, coordination and support, Telecommunications
Services can moderate the effects of any regulatory changes. To reduce and
contain the cost of services, the University should take advantage of
non-regulated services whenever practical and economically feasible. This
is particularly important because the total University cost of
telecommunications is expected to increase, largely because of continued
expansion of the use of these services.
Technological
The University's present telecommunications infrastructure makes
appropriate, cost-effective technology available to the
community, and its components serve as the basis for continuing to provide
desired levels of service in the coming years. This means transporting the
right information to the right place, on time, and in a form that can be
applied by the end user. There are several technologies that have the
capability to make this task easier than in the past.
- Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will offer relatively
simple, relatively inexpensive access to a universal network for voice,
data, text, video and image transmission, enabling access (at a
bandwidth up to 128 KHz) to networks from remote user work stations.
This technology is seen as primarily useful for users requiring only
intermittent connectivity, such as persons working from home who desire
to connect to the campus network.
- Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology may be the most
significant telecommunications development of this decade, and is likely
to alter the overall structure of private and public telecommunications
services. ATM is a very high speed switched network capable of carrying
virtually any information media, from voice to full motion video.
Because of this
flexibility, it will probably become the primary transport method for
the national information backbone by the end of the decade. It is also
likely that it will begin to be extended into the "last mile" as well,
affording individuals access to an integrated voice, data, text, video,
and image network with virtually an unlimited bandwidth. Application of
this technology in the campus environment may come much sooner, driven
by the increasing demand placed on the existing systems.
Satellite communications systems and cable television also offer
capabilities to extend our services beyond the traditional campus
boundaries. Satellite communications can provide the full range of video
services for a national and international clientele. In the more
localized sense, technologies now exist that would allow use of the
commercial cable television system to extend higher speed data networks
(10MB Ethernet) to schools in the surrounding communities. As cable
services providers turn to fiber optic cable to replace coaxial cable,
this technology should become increasing less costly.
Economic
Economic considerations are significant and include the following:
- Given the University's funding restraints, the design of the
copper/fiber optic cable infrastructure must be such that it can support
both present and future demands in the most cost effective manner.
Similarly, procurement of voice-related services and equipment that is
unnecessarily expensive or otherwise impractical must be avoided.
- The availability of funds within the University has a direct impact
on Telecommunications Services and its ability to support the University
community. As a cost recovery center without a state funded budget (an
auxiliary service), the Department can provide only those services for
which there is enough demand to be self supporting, or which the
University determines are of such value that revenues from other
services or
areas should be diverted to fund it. Because of this, only those
services which are cost effective and technologically proven should be
implemented.
- If the trend in cost reduction as a result of regulatory change
continues, then some level of cost containment in telecommunications
services may continue to be achieved through
monitoring and exploiting the results of that change.
- Any savings resulting from technology acquisition will be contingent
upon timely identification and planning for its introduction to the
University environment.
Data
The University's fiber optic cable backbone supports Ethernet LANs on the
main campus, with computer-to-wiring center connections being primarily
unshielded twisted pair copper cable (10BaseT). The University's network
presently has more than 2,000 connected devices, supporting over 12,000
computer users. These users have access to other host computers and
networks on and off campus. Remote dial-up capabilities provide authorized
computer users access through telephone lines to computing services on
campus.
While adequate for the present data network, the fiber backbone is at
capacity. If different architectures are to be employed, or additional
facilities added, more cable must be installed.
Video
The University's current video distribution system is a mix of coaxial and
fiber optic cable, with the former greatly predominating. The system is
used for both instructional and
entertainment purposes. The latter is primarily in use in the residence
facilities, with the programming provided by one of the
local cable companies, Time-Warner. The inter-building coaxial cable is at
capacity, is deteriorating, and must be replaced.
Voice
The University owns a Northern Telecom SL-1 XT Private Branch Exchange
(PBX) telephone switch. This serves all local and long distance voice
communications needs for faculty and staff, and for students residing in
campus residence halls and in Family Housing. Connection to Family Housing
is provided via microwave radio. GTE is the local voice services carrier
for the University, while long distance voice services are provided by a
variety of carriers through high speed digital circuits. The carriers are
currently IHETS (SUVON - business calls only), AT&T (international, inter
and intrastate business and private calls), and CNI (interstate business
and private calls). With the exception of IHETS, the long distance
carriers are subject to change as they are selected through a periodic
competitive process.
Other Network Services
University students, faculty and staff have ready access to national and
international networks through the Internet. Access to specialized
databases, library services, and other resources at other institutions
contributes greatly to the work of many of
these end users.
The proliferation of facsimile (Fax) machines (and microcomputers with
Fax capability) and their contribution to the conduct of University
business has proven to be a valuable way to save time and enhance
productivity.
Electronic mail is available to all authorized users of the University
network.
Voice mail is generally available to all faculty and staff.
Remote paging and other associated services can be added if demand
justifies the costs.
Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) systems are available for use by areas
(such as Student Financial Aid) with high call volume
and a need to place incoming callers in a queue.
Assessment
The ability of the University's infrastructure to continue to support its
telecommunications requirements through the remainder of this decade
varies widely. The video coaxial cable system has components that are more
than 25 years old. Major sections of the inter-building cable are badly
deteriorated and will need
replacement within the next one to two years if satisfactory performance
and compliance with FCC regulations is to be maintained. The copper and
fiber optic cable backbone used by the current Ethernet data
communications system can support data needs for the next one to three
years. Movement to a higher
speed data network will require an expansion of the fiber optic backbone,
and will also require extensive re-cabling of many
locations where the existing cables to workstations will not reliably
support the higher bandwidth demands. The copper cables
and the PBX that support voice communications should be reliable
well into the next decade. The microwave radio linking the PBX to the
remote component serving Family Housing is the possible weak link in voice
communications support. This equipment has been in service for ten years.
While reliable, it is approaching
the time when replacement parts will become increasingly difficult to
obtain. This, combined with growing data and video requirements at that
location, will make its replacement with
fiber optic cable connectivity both highly desirable and necessary.
A formal disaster contingency plan does not currently exist for the
telecommunications networks, although actions have been taken
to reduce the consequences of a disaster affecting these facilities. The
PBX and critical components of the transmission network (e.g., microwave
radio, channel service units) are
supported by uninterruptible power supplies. Cellular telephones are
available in critical areas. Within practical limitations,
Telecommunications Services will develop a formal disaster contingency
plan.
The University's capital investment in telecommunications technology must
be protected. That effort involves maintaining
the technical capacities of current hardware and outside plant by
selectively converting or replacing network components as technologies and
standards change. This will obviously require capital investment. If we
are to benefit from current and emerging technologies, basic network
components, cabling media, building distribution wiring, outside plant
equipment, and end user stations will need to be converted to remain
compatible with industry standards as these change. In order for the
University
to be properly positioned to absorb and benefit from these changes, a
commitment to fund these conversions is needed.
Strategic Goals
Planning Assumptions
The following assumptions are critical to the achievement of the goals of
this plan:
- University leadership will continue to support investments in
information technologies, realizing these can create competitive
advantages in enrollment and research and the possibility of cost
savings and productivity gains.
- Funds will be available for reinvestment in the University's
physical telecommunications infrastructure. Through cost savings,
charges for special services, and reallocations
when justified, financial and human resources will be made available to
enable the Department to accomplish this plan.
- The costs of new technologies and of some vendor services are likely
to decrease over time. If the appropriate steps are taken, Information
Services will be able to continue providing a state-of-the-art network
through the acquisition of new technologies at the right time and cost.
- The infrastructure that supports current University networks is a
suitable foundation upon which to build. Selective hardware and software
upgrades will be made to take advantage of newer technologies, to
maintain compatibility with industry standards.
- Telecommunications Services will receive no direct budget allocation
and will recover the costs of its operations through charges for
services to internal customers and from sources external to the
University.
- Telecommunications Services will have sufficient current and reserve
renewal and replacement funds to invest or reinvest in the University's
telecommunications facilities.
- Telecommunications Services will provide those products and services
to the University community that are needed and are self-supporting,
unless alternate funding sources are found.
Goals
The following strategies, initiatives, and objectives are designed to
support and implement the strategic goals outlined in the Information
Services Strategic Plan, with specific emphasis on those that directly
relate to telecommunications.
Strategic Goal One: Provide a cost-effective, state-of-the-art physical
infrastructure that supports the mission and goals of
Indiana State University and Information Services. The physical
infrastructure must serve the access and information transport
requirements of the University community, while assuring privacy,
confidentiality, security and the capacity for disaster recovery.
In support of this goal the following strategies and initiatives will be
implemented.
- Improve intra-campus and intra-building cabling systems. Continued
upgrading of current wiring and cabling systems is
necessary for providing integrated network services. A crucial element
is the installation of a greatly expanded fiber optic communications
cable infrastructure to accommodate growth and the new technologies and
services that function best with this media.
- Working with ACNS and Media Technology and Resources, implement
integrated digital network services through the Advanced Communications
Services Network project. As proposed, the Advanced Communications
Services Network will transport a variety of video, data, and imaging
applications throughout the campus. It is visualized as a high
throughput system interconnecting all the buildings, with an
intra-building distribution consistent with the communities of interest
present in the buildings. The primary objectives of the project are to
define, acquire and install systems to satisfy the following
needs:
- High speed transport of data throughout the campus in support of
teaching, research, and administrative needs
- The support of requirements for access, connectivity, and
interoperability imposed by current and future administrative and
departmental data processing systems, and by access to off-campus
networks.
- The campus-wide, electronic distribution of full-motion video
programming whether locally originated (live or recorded), or acquired
from local or remote off-air sources, from off-campus landlines, or
from satellite feeds. In this context, "video" includes requirements
not only for entertainment television, but also for video security
monitoring, full motion video conferencing and the transfer of locally
originated video to a centralized recording area.
- The centralized, computer-assisted operation, management and
administration of a high availability backbone network capable of
supporting applications with appropriate
security.
- The provision of facilities of such capacity and transparency that
they are suitable for serving the applications during a planning
horizon of 10 years.
- Extend the campus Local Area Network to facilities not on the main
campus (e.g., Family Housing, Clinical Education).
- Design and obtain funding for extension of the fiber optic cable
system to Family Housing and other locations not on the main campus.
- Provide video transport services. Those services, delivered
through an integrated network, could include campus-wide video
bulletin boards, image and graphics transmission and full motion
teleconferencing through individual work stations.
- Integrate existing and proposed satellite communications into the
campus network.
Strategic Goal Two: Provide an organizational focal point
responsible for planning, evaluating, and budgeting for quality
telecommunications services. The Department's services support end users
in the timely and efficient fulfillment of their
responsibilities. In furtherance of this goal, emphasis will be placed on
the following strategies and initiatives.
- Incorporate new technology as it becomes available and affordable.
The use of new technologies will enhance the University's academic
environment and increase productivity. Telecommunications Services will
exploit competitive advantages available in a multi-vendor environment.
- Recognize relationships within the University community and
encourage resource sharing to achieve economies. Increased interaction,
communication and cooperative planning among users of telecommunications
services will benefit the University.
- Explore with users possible ways voice technology applications could
improve the efficiency and functionality of their operation.
- Working with Media Technology and Resources, determine feasibility
of providing two-way video services to the Professional Development
Schools.
- Closely monitor FCC actions regarding such areas as
operator-assisted long distance services. When appropriate, make the
University's position known on issues.
- Actively seek ways of generating new income to offset increases in
expenses.
- Seek vendor assistance and support for operational, tactical and
strategic planning initiatives.
- Enhance management reporting and review to better assess and improve
efficiency and effectiveness.
- Develop and/or install integrated telecommunications operations and
financial management software to automate routine functions in order to
provide better service and contain costs.
- Conduct security and disaster contingency planning. Security and
disaster policies, practices and instruments must be continuously
developed or acquired and regularly reevaluated to protect the
University's networks, information and end users from the effects of
natural forces and internal and external threats.
Performance Evaluation
The effectiveness of Telecommunications Services will be largely measured
by the quality and reliability of the services it
provides. The delivery of high quality, reliable voice services at the
least cost is the single most important measure of success. Evaluation of
the following will help determine where adjustments may be needed.
- Number and frequency of voice system failures
- Average time for completion of voice and cable system repairs
- Average time for completion of requests for new voice service,
circuit installation, or changes to existing service
- Quality and availability of on and off-campus information transport
systems
- Cost of installations and changes
- Cost of services
- Effectiveness of business operations.
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