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MiCTA Alert - April 2004
In this issue:
  MiCTA Spring 2004 Conference
  MiCTA Member Survey
  Update MiCTA Member Contact Information
  MiCTA Honored with MACUL President’s Award
  Webinar Schedule Now Available
  ACUTA Voice Over IP Issues Summary
  MiCTA and Office Depot: Working Together
  Special Offer from Gateway
  Special Offer from Brodart
  Special Offer from Office Depot
  Just for fun




MiCTA Spring 2004 Conference, May 3-5
There are only two weeks until the Spring Conference at the Beautiful Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Make sure and reserve your place.

This year's conference will feature two tracks: Academic Applications and Technical Information. They will be presented on Tuesday from 8am until 4:30 pm. On Wednesday, the Technology & Network Committee's will present from 8:30 am until 11am. There will also be a golf outing on Monday.

To help make the conference accessible to more MiCTA members, we have reduced the conference fee to $79. Both member and vendor registration materials are available on our conference page.

http://www.micta.org/conferences/default.asp


MiCTA Member Survey
A member questionnaire designed to help guide program planning is now on the MiCTA website. Please visit the website and take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your collective feedback will help ensure that our programs are relevant and that we do the best possible job of serving your needs.
http://www.micta.org/members/survey.asp


Update Member Contact Information
To ensure useful and timely distribution of MiCTA communications, the staff is now working to update member contact information. We are asking that each member email Heather Nostrant hnostrant@mictaservice.com at the office. Heather will return to you, the data sheet for your organization. We ask that you review the data sheet, update appropriately and return to Heather. If you have questions, please give Heather a call. Your help with this important effort will be greatly appreciated.




Heather Nostrant
(888)870-8677


MiCTA Honored with MACUL President's Award
The Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) President's Award is given annually to persons and organizations making an outstanding contribution to further the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in education. On March 10, 2004 at MACUL's 28 th annual conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan the President's award for 2003-2004 was awarded to MiCTA.

The President's Award for 2002-2003 was presented to AT&T. Previous recipients include: The International Society for Technology in Education, Governor John Engler, Senator Carl Levin, Ameritech and the Michigan Virtual University.


Webinar Schedule Now Available
To consistently provide MiCTA members with information and education concerning technology issues and the MiCTA programs surrounding them, MiCTA presents a schedule of regular Webinars outlining these online offerings. Website users can utilize this page as their resource for timely, constructive, online meetings presented in tandem with some of MiCTA’s featured vendors. Please click to review the schedule.
http://www.micta.org/members/webinars

ACUTA - Voice Over IP Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced its intention to begin a proceeding to examine the regulatory treatment of Voice over IP services.  The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in February 2004, but as of this date ( March 10, 2004 ) the text of the NPRM has not been released. 

It is important for ACUTA members to be well informed on this matter, as the outcome may affect the way in which telecommunications services are structured and priced on your campus.  The strategies that you use in selecting service providers, negotiating contracts, and pricing services will all be impacted by the FCC’s decision in this matter.

The FCC is required to operate within the confines of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which contains the fundamental definitions of telecommunications and information services upon which the FCC’s current regulatory structure is based.  Congressional committees are now examining potential legislative changes to the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that would address the regulatory challenges posed by VoIP technologies.

In addition, several state regulatory agencies have taken action on the treatment of VoIP as a telecommunications service.  Other states are watching these actions and potential Federal actions closely.

ACUTA’s Legislative/Regulatory Affairs Committee is studying the issues closely, and awaiting the release of the FCC’s NPRM language.  ACUTA plans to comment on any proposed rules. We plan to seek input from the membership in formulating these comments, and to keep our members informed throughout the process. 

To aid in the educational process about the complex issues surrounding VoIP regulation, ACUTA has obtained access for our members to an excellent summary of the issues, written by Nancy Victory, a partner in Wiley, Rein and Fielding’s Communications and Government Affairs Practices.  This report is available from the ACUTA Web site at http://www.acuta.org/relation/downloadfile.cfm?docnum=891.

We highly recommend that all ACUTA members read this 17-page document and the attached 3-page chart that summarizes current VoIP Federal regulatory and policy developments.  We also recommend that you share this report with senior administrators and others on the campus that need to be informed on these important issues.

Through its relationship with Wiley, Rein and Fielding and other important government affairs resources, ACUTA makes a continuing effort to keep our members informed about important issues affecting your institution and your communications technology operations. We hope that you find the information useful.

Note: While the above article was prepared by ACUTA for its membership, the issues are very important to many MiCTA members. MiCTA and ACUTA have enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership since 1999.
 
MiCTA and Office Depot: Working Together
Office Depot, the world's largest office supplier, now partners with MiCTA to provide MiCTA members significant cost savings. There are two ways to save money with Office Depot as a MiCTA member:
 
  If you’d like to experiment with Office Depot’s services and capabilities but don’t want to commit to Office Depot as your preferred office supply company, you will be set up as a regular MiCTA member, receiving an additional 5% off the already 30-70% off catalog.
  If you find you are impressed with Office Depot’s products and services, and you’d like to take advantage of further cost savings, we have the program for you! When you agree to make Office Depot your preferred office supplier, you will enjoy additional cost savings on a list of 25-50 ITEMS of your most frequently ordered office supplies!! That’s 5% off the already 30-70% off Office Depot catalog, as well as a custom list made especially to suit your organization’s needs. Now THAT is superior cost savings!!
  If you’d like to immediately begin saving money, or you have further questions, simply contact your account manager shown below and start receiving your MiCTA discounts right away.
 
Sarah Short
Account Manager
Office Depot Business Services Division
Phone: 800-578-9675 x: 5910
Fax: 989-832-8431
sshort@officedepot.com




Gateway Special

GW Quote #: 04151457
Quote Date: 04/15/04 11:39 CDT

Gateway M405E
System Quote



Part Number: 1007879
Operating System: Microsoft(r) Windows(r) XP Professional
Application Software: Microsoft(r) Works 7.0
AntiVirus Software: Norton AntiVirus Software 90 day Introductory Offer
Rebate: $50 instant savings (limited time promotion)
Processor: Mobile Intel(r) Celeron(r) M Processor 1.2GHz w/ 512K cache
Memory: 256MB DDR SDRAM (limited time promotion)
Hard Drive: 30GB 4200rpm Ultra ATA hard drive
Optical Drive: Integrated 24x/10x/24x CD-RW / 8x DVD combo
Expansion Slots: One type II, or one type III PC Card Slot
External Ports: (2) USB 2.0, VGA and Parallel
Screen: 14.1" XGA TFT Active Matrix
Video: Integrated Intel(r) Extreme 2 Graphics w/ UMA
Keyboard and Mouse: Full-Sized Keyboard and EZ Pad(r) Pointing Device
Multimedia Package: Integrated sound and stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, and mic jacks
Speakers: External speakers not selected
Battery: Lithium ion battery with AC pack and 1 yr. limited battery warranty
Modem: Integrated V.92 56K modem
Network Adapter: Integrated Intel(r) 10/100 Ethernet Adapter
Internet Service Provider: Six months America Online(r) Internet access
Integrated Wireless Networking Adapter: Integrated 802.11b wireless networking card
Extended Service Plans Including Limited Warranty: Portable Value Service Plan - 3 year parts/labor/no on-site/3 year technical support
Carrying Case: Gateway Carrying Case


Configured Price: US $1,313.00
System Quantity: 1
Total Price: US $1,313.00




Comments:
When placing your order, please attach this quote to your purchase order.
A copy of this quote will be held for a period of 90 days after 04/15/2004

Quote subject to terms of current Agreement signed by you and Gateway, or absent Agreement, to Gateway's Standard Terms of Sale and applicable product and services warranties which are available by writing to Gateway Terms & Conditions, P.O. Box 1951 , North Sioux City , SD 57049-1951 . Prices exclude shipping and handling and taxes unless otherwise noted. AOL Promotional Plan Customers: TO AVOID BEING CHARGED A MONTHLY FEE, CANCEL BEFORE PROMOTIONAL PERIOD ENDS. Promotional period begins 30 days from receipt of system. All AOL Customers: You may incur surcharges even during promotional period for premium services, or long distance charges on your phone bill, depending on location and calling plan. Communication surcharges may also apply with some access numbers and in AK. For details and access numbers call 1-800-846-2000. Check with your local phone company to determine whether the access number you select is a local call for your calling plan. New U.S. members only. Major credit card or checking account required. Use may be limited, especially during peak usage. Certain Microsoft(r) software product(s) included with this computer may use technological measures for copy protection. IN SUCH EVENT, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE PRODUCT IF YOU DO NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH THE PRODUCT ACTIVATION PROCEDURES. Product activation procedures and Microsoft's privacy policy will be detailed during initial launch of the product, or upon certain reinstallations of the software product(s) or reconfigurations of the computer, and may be completed by Internet or telephone (toll charges may apply). Leasing opportunities are offered by independent leasing companies to qualified commercial customers for minimum acquisitions of $750 (before shipping and taxes) in Gateway products. Lease payment (if shown) is based on an 'FMV lease' (purchase option equal to 'fair market value' at lease end). Lease rate dependant on credit qualifications. Additional terms and options may be available. Documentation fees, security deposits, or advance payments may be required of lessees. All lease payments, terms, and credit qualifications are subject to change without notice or obligation. (c) 2001 Gateway, Inc. All rights reserved.


Brodart Special
Digitally Imaged Bar Code Labels are the latest in Bar Code label technology for libraries – and as a MiCTA member, you save 20% when ordering from Brodart. Digital labels are acid-free and feature a 100% guaranteed first time read, endless error-free scans and superior archival qualities. Plus, they resist smudges, dirt, chemicals, UV light, heat, humidity and abrasion! Click here to find out more. Does your shelf hold the new 2004 Brodart Library Supplies and Furnishings catalog? If not, click here to order your free copy today!

For more information on products and services for MiCTA members from Brodart:

Call: 1-800-233-8467 Ext. 4338
Click: www.shopbrodart.com/pricing/micta/
Fax: 1-800-578-1064
E-mail: lyndapierce@brodart.com




Office Depot's MiCTA
Special of the Month!!
April 2004
Featuring: Swingline® Portable Electric Stapler, Black


ONLY $29.99!!
Experience the speed and convenience of electric stapling in a flexible and compactly designed space-saver. Powered by an AC adapter or 6 AA alkaline batteries – for go-anywhere versatility. Motor-driven engineering delivers reliable long-term performance and the precision adjustment guide gives you exceptional control. Staples up to 20 sheets of 20 lb. paper.
 
Item # 193622
Manufacturer # 48200
Stapler Type Electric
Staple Size 1/4"
Sheet Capacity 20 Sheets
Power Source AC Adapter, Battery
Anti-jam Mechanism No
Adjustable Stapling Pressure No
Adjustable Throat Depth Yes
Refill Indicator Light No
Built-in Staple Remover No
Warranty 2-Year Limited
Manufacturer Swingline
 
Interested? For details on this product or other Office Depot services, please contact your MiCTA/Office Depot Account Manager:

Sarah Short
800-578-9675 x: 5910
sshort@officedepot.com


Just For Fun
1.
  Since November 2003, MiCTA and our partner vendors have featured seven “webinars”. What is the date and subject of the next “webinar”?
A.
  April 28,2004 Web Commerce
B.
  May 12, 2004 Uninterruptible Power Sources/td>
C.
  May19, 2004 Managing Bandwidth.
D.
  June 8, 2004 Security
2.
  Who is the Current President of the International Olympic Committee?
A.
  Dimitrios Vikelas (Greece)
B.
  Pierre, baron de Coubertin (France)
C.
  Henri, comte de Baillet-Latour (Belgium)
D.
  Juan Antonio Samaranch (Spain)
3.
  What is the approximate weight of a cubic yard of air at sea level?
A.
  Zero, air has no weight
B.
  Less than one ounce
C.
  Four ounces
D.
  Two pounds
 
Previous MiCTA Alerts
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
August 2003
June 2003
May 2003
April 2003
 
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