Staying Ahead on Duke's IT Issues
Duke IT specialists search for new technologies at Tech Expo
Thursday, October 18, 2007
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Durham, NC -- Duke University is an information factory bursting at its digital seams.
With faculty and staff computers already loading up with digitally stowed information and a “tidal wave of data” forthcoming with the continued growth of mobile video and audio recording devices, Duke information technologists are finding new ways to keep the information load manageable, said Kirk Griffin, academic technology consultant with Duke’s Center for Instructional Technology.
Griffin moderated a panel of Duke IT experts on data and media management at Duke’s first-ever TechExpo earlier this month.
Panelist targeted information storage as a key issue that will affect large numbers of Duke faculty and staff in the future. Mark McCahill, IT consultant in Duke’s Office of Information Technology (OIT), discussed policy issues that involved in long-term data retention. Although storage media is cheap and easy to find, he said, it’s harder to develop specific policies to deal with issues surrounding storage.
“People want their stuff stored,” McCahill said. “But is it really worth putting it in the collection that you try to retain forever?”
More than 500 information technology professionals from across Duke University and Duke Health System participated in the Oct. 5 TechExpo, which organizers plan to become an annual event.
“Our goal was to bring IT professionals together and provide an opportunity to put names with faces, share ideas, stimulate collaborations, learn something new, and have fun,” said Susan Gerberth-Jones, planning chair and assistant dean of IT, Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences.
There were games and vendor exhibits, but the heart of conference was a series of 30-minute presentations that looked at everything from cheap videoconferencing, e-Learning and virtualization to policy, security, customer relations and the next generation of wireless communication, information displays and computing infrastructure initiatives.
Throughout the day, the IT specialists shared ideas on how to use the latest technologies at Duke. At a “birds of a feather” lunch, where disposable table clothes served as makeshift whiteboards. Impassioned participants used markers to scribble down concepts and ideas while munching sandwiches.
More than 35 vendors and exhibitors provided a glimpse at some of the newest technology on the market, presenting and demonstrating video collaboration, data storage, identity management and internet mobility.
Keynote speakers Tracy Futhey, Duke chief information officer, and Asif Ahmad, CIO for DUHS and DUMC, shared insights about career development.
Futhey emphasized that she was “always looking for people who want to grow and who are ready to grow.” Working “outside the box” and “looking for and accepting assignment that are outside the very narrow definition of here’s-my-job” can be real assets in developing one’s career.
Ahmad concentrated on professional development in a “patient-centric” environment. He stressed that is was important for technology professionals to feel that they were part of the patient care process.
“People who provide technology from every angle, from help desk support to service support; they have to believe they are actually providing that care,” Asif said. “Feeling that you are part of the process is very important from a professional development point of view.”
