IN THIS ISSUE:

The MiCTA 2006 Spring Conference Is Only Three Months Away – Have You Registered Yet? 

Mark Your Calendar: Important Dates!

February 28, 2006:  Register by this date and save $25 on your registration fee!

April 16, 2006:  Reserve your hotel by this date in order to receive the MiCTA negotiated rate of $114

University of Michigan
University of Notre Dame
Albion College
Chippewa Valley Schools
Lake Forest College
Flint Community Schools
Grand Valley State University
Kalamazoo Public Library
Hope College
Saginaw Valley State University
Shiawassee RESD
City of Kalamazoo
Eastern New Mexico University

The MiCTA Program Committee worked very hard to create an agenda that was appealing to all members.  Some of the sessions they have lined up are:

¶      Open Source vs. Commercial: An eLearning Hands-On Session, Dan Tyger and Noah Botimer, Saginaw Valley State University

¶      eRate Update, George McDonald, eRate Central

¶      Welcome by Kalamazoo Public Schools: The Kalamazoo Promise Scholarship Program, Alexander Lee, Executive Director of Communications, Kalamazoo Public Schools

¶      Keynote - The Future of Telecommunications: Internet and Beyond, John Barcomb, Sprint

¶      The Future of Dorm Phones, Panel Discussion to include Jan Felker, Grand Valley State University; Dewitt Latimer, Notre Dame University; Mark Strandskov, Central Michigan University; and Rick Coy, Clark Hill

¶      Disaster Recovery, Beth Brewer, Telemanage Training, Telecom Solution Center

¶      WI-FI/WI-WAX Update, Alex Gonzalez, Wireless Frontier Internet

¶      Internet 2 , Walt Magnussen, Texas A&M University

¶      Michigan Telecommunications Act/Federal Regulatory Update , John Sundstrom, MiCTA; and Randal Hayes, University of Northern Iowa (via Video Conference)

¶      Video Conferencing Standards and Technical Issues , Polycom

¶      How To Pick The Best IP Carrier , Panel Discussion

¶      And more… http://www.micta.org/conferences/spring06/Member.pdf

Vendors currently registered:

Qwest
Verizon Business
Matsch Systems
Sprint
VSGi
Office Depot

The conference is a perfect time to talk with your current rep or to learn more about vendors you are interested in!

MSC Certified Nation-Wide Form 470’s

On behalf of all eligible MiCTA and ATAlliance members, MSC filed two nation-wide Form 470’s, which received certification from the Universal Service Administrative Company, Schools and Libraries Division. The resulting competitive bid processes address both Priority 1 – Telecommunications and Internet Access Services, TIS RFP # MSC-0009, and Video Integration Services, VIS # MSC-0008. The resulting agreements are available to assist qualified Members seeking to purchase eRate eligible services and products. Form 470 - Block 5 information for each contracted vendor is available on the MiCTA website, www.micta.org. The information provided is required when filing the Member’s Form 471 – Services Ordered and Certification. Members, encountering any problem with their Form 471 submission, are encouraged to contact the MSC office, at 1-888-870-8677 x203, for assistance in resolving filing issues.

Schools and libraries have until 11:59 PM, EST on Thursday, February 16, to apply for 2006 eRate discounts.

Even though April is still a few weeks away we have already begun our spring-cleaning. The main task in the early spring sweep is to update member records, specifically login information. The first step in this update was to change the password. The new password is currently in effect. Members can contact Amiee Garcia at 1-888-870-8677 or send her an email at Agarcia@mictaservice.com to get the new password or to have her address any questions and concerns that you might have.

We want to remind you that the MiCTA ListServ is up and running for your use. ListServ is for MiCTA members to connect to institutions with similar technology needs and questions via email. Signing up for ListServ is as easy as clicking this link. ListServ not only allows members to post questions they may have, but organizations can also see what other institutions are doing in their mailings, can receive updates and notes from MiCTA President John Sundstrom, and can make sure that they stay current and involved in the telecom world. Feel free to click the link and join today. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call Amiee Garcia at 1-888-870-8677.

PC Viruses Mark 20th Anniversary

Viruses mark 20th anniversary

Jan. 19, 2006 marked the twentieth year of existence of the PC virus.

The boot sector virus "Brain," which infected computers via floppy disk, was first detected back in January 1986. While Brain was relatively harmless compared to threats faced today, it signaled the beginning of the current virus situation.

Nowadays boot sector viruses may be as rare as floppy disks, but they held our attention from 1986 to 1995. Infection required actually putting a file on a hard disk, so floppy disks were the main sources of transmission, but file sharing via bulletin boards and electronic data transfer were also known. Viruses would only become well-known months or even years after release.

With the release of Windows 95 came the development of macro viruses, which exploited vulnerabilities in that operating system. From the moment when a virus was discovered to when it became a global problem required about one month.

As the popularity of e-mail increased, so did e-mail worms. In just one day, Loveletter, aka ILOVEYOU, spread havoc and alleged massive financial loss before it was brought under control.

In the 21st Century, the transmission time window shrank from one day to one hour, in what is known as a "zero-day threat." Network worms like Blaster and Sasser automatically propagated and indiscriminately infected every unprotected online computer in their paths.

"Blended threats" combined methods of attack; for example, displaying characteristics of both viruses and worms while also exploiting network and system vulnerabilities.

However, the most important change over the past two decades has not been in the types of viruses or amount of malware, but rather the motives of the virus writers.

"Certainly the most significant change in has been the evolution of virus writing hobbyists into criminally operated gangs bent on financial gain," said F-Secure's Chief Research Officer Mikko Hypponen. "And this trend is showing no signs of stopping."

At present there are an estimated 150,000 virus-like threats, and the number continues to increase.

"There already are indications that malware authors will target laptop WLANs as the next vector for automatic spreading worms," said Hypponen.

"Whatever the next step might be, it will be interesting to see what kind of viruses we will be talking about in another twenty years time -- computer viruses infecting houses, perhaps?"

This article is courtesy of Dave Chappelle and Echannelline.com. If you have any comments or questions regarding Mr. Chappelle’s article please forward them on to his email-DChappelle@IntegratedMar.com.

Welcome To New Members

ASM International

Elbert School District #200 CO

Elida Local School District

Government Finance Officers Association

HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative

Local Initiatives Support Corp

Mentoring Solutions

Michigan Association of Insurance Agents

Murray Electric System

New Tribes Mission Inc.

Nokomis Learning Center

Orange County Public Schools

Selfridge Air National Guard Base

New Master Agreement Executed With HarvestRoad Ltd

The ATAlliance, comprised of three regional education compacts (MHEC, SREB, WICHE), and MiCTA are proud to announce the signing of a new national contract with HarvestRoad Ltd. HarvestRoad received an Endorsed Award (the best value) for stand alone Learning Object Repository. HarvestRoad combines all the necessary elements for versioning, the potential for metatagging, workflow, and sophisticated storage and retrieval. HarvestRoad is open and extensible and work diligently on standards. Furthermore, HarvestRoad is able to provide an enterprise solution that is independent of the presentation application. This product will allow organizations to invest time and resources on content and not concern themselves with ‘locking’ their investment into one company’s product. The agreement is offered to all MiCTA / ATAlliance members and is slated for three years with the option of two one-year renewals. Be sure to visit the HarvestRoad portion of the MiCTA web site . If you have further questions, please contact Clancy DeLong at (888) 870-8677.

MiCTA and ATAlliance Members,

Numerous members have taken advantage of the MiCTA/ATAlliance/Sprint PCS program.   As they have signed up for service, we’ve have been asked why the program has not been more visible to members.  In response, follow this link to a presentation detailing the services and discounts available to members.

Make Sure To Check Out This Month’s Vendor Specials From Brodart and Gateway

MICTA members save 20% on Brodart’s New Line of Archival storage cases, boxes, and envelopes. Brodart’s exclusive SafePack shipping program ensures your cases will arrive safe, Guaranteed!

Hundreds of new Archival products have been added to the Brodart Catalog for 2006. Do you need a 2006 Brodart Library Supplies & Furnishing Catalog or a copy of our Archival Catalog? Click here to order yours 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: supplies.quotes@brodart.com

GW Quote #: 0104258
Quote Date: 01/04/06 10:12 CST

E-2500D

System Quote

Part Number: 1008515
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition (SP2)
Operating System Software Backup Media: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional (SP2) Backup CD
Drivers Backup Media: E-2500 Drivers and Application Backup Media
AntiVirus Software: Norton Internet Security 90 day introductory offer
Manageability Software: Gateway System Manager
Processor:Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 630 with HT Technology (3GHz, 800MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache)
Chipset: Intel® 915GV
Memory:512MB DDR2 Dual Channel 533MHz SDRAM (2-DIMM)
Controller Card: Integrated ultra ATA100 and serial ATA150 controllers
Hard Drive: 40GB Serial ATA150 7200rpm hard drive w/ 2MB cache
Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44MB diskette drive
Optical Drive:48x/32x/48x CD-RW/DVD combo drive
Case: 6-bay micro-BTX mid-tower case w/ front audio ports and 305-watt power supply
Expansion Slots: 2 PCI Slots, 1 PCI-E x 1
External Ports: (6) USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 4 rear), (1) Serial, (1) Parallel, (2) PS/2, (1) RJ-45 integrated LAN, (1) VGA, (1) audio in/out, (1) microphone, front headphone ports
Certification: Energy Star Compliant
Monitor:FPD1765 17" Black LCD Flat Panel Display
Recycling Fee: My order is not shipping to California - no recycling fee required
Video: Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900 with up to 128MB shared memory
Keyboard: Gateway 104+ Keyboard (PS/2)
Mouse: Gateway 2-Button USB Optical Wheel Mouse and mouse pad
Sound System: Integrated Sound Blaster compatible audio
Speakers: External speakers not selected
Network Adapter: Integrated Marvell 10/100/1000 Twisted Pair Ethernet
Extended Service Plan Including Limited Warranty:Desktop Total Protection Plan -- 4 year part/labor/NBD on-site/4 year technical support w/ 4 year GPA
Additional Software: Adobe® Acrobat Reader® 6.0, McAfee AntiSpyware 30 day introductory offer and Google Toolbar
Standard Training:Not Selected

System Quantity: 1
Discounted Price (including S&H): US $1,199.00
Delivered Price (including S&H): US $1,199.00

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 01/04/2006

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 visiting gateway.com or calling 1-800-846-2000 for a free copy. Service agreements are issued and performed by third parties. May not be available in all locations. Accidental Damage Protection not available in all states. Phone charges may apply for tech support. If purchased, on-site service technician will be sent if necessary, following phone-based troubleshooting. Availability varies. Other conditions apply. YOU WILL BE CHARGED SHIPPING AND HANDLING OR RESTOCKING FEES TO RETURN PRODUCTS. All offers valid in US only and are subject to change without notice or obligation. Quoted product only available through Gateway.com or by calling 1-800-846-2000. Prices exclude shipping, handling, and taxes unless otherwise stated. FINANCE/LEASE CUSTOMERS: Financing and leasing provided by independent lenders to qualified US residents only. REBATE OFFERS: For more information about rebate offers, log onto http://www.gateway.com/rebate or call 1-800-846-4208. © 2005 Gateway, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks used here in are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. See important Microsoft activation requirements at http://www.gateway.com/ms-req

Jay VanDuzen Joins The MiCTA Service Corporation Team

MiCTA Service Corporation is pleased to announce that Jay VanDuzen has joined the team. Jay brings an abundance of telecom knowledge and expertise to MiCTA. Jay’s main responsibilities as Direct or Member Services will be to act as a liaison between members and vendors, to help educate members on MiCTA services, to promote MiCTA and the ATAlliance, and to assist members in the MiCTA ordering process. Please feel free to give Jay a call with any comments or questions or if you just want to chat and he will be glad to help you.

Jay VanDuzen
Director of Member Services
jvanduzen@mictaservice.com
(586) 360 8421
Or call the MiCTA offices at (888) 870-8677

Coming Soon: Sprint Nextel’s Newest MiCTA Offer

We are very excited to announce that the merger between Sprint, an endorsed MiCTA vendor, and Nextel has come together right before our eyes. The merger brings two of the industry leading companies together to offer the broadest spectrum available. Whatever your cellular need, there’s a good chance that Sprint Nextel has it covered.

The merger not only combines the industry leading technology of the two companies, but will also give MiCTA members the opportunity to take advantage of discounts on Nextel hardware and plans. This new offer is great for MiCTA members because now regardless of your cellular needs-there’s a real good chance that it’s covered by a MiCTA discount. Feel free to check out this Sprint Nextel slideshow to see exactly what is covered. If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Jeff Muglia
MiCTA Account Manager
Office 248.204.0930
Jeffrey.t.muglia@sprint.com

Clancy DeLong
MiCTA Service Corporation
Toll Free: (888) 870-8677 Ext 203
cdelong@mictaservice.com

Just For Fun

1) I can be driven, yet have no wheels or feet, can also be sliced, yet remain complete.

2) The sound of humor, happiness, joy, thrilled, now add an ‘s’ it’s carnage, massacred, killed!

3) A precipitation of weather comes your way, the solution: add a ‘d’ and it will run away.

4) I belong to you - a gift from fathers and mothers, occasionally used by you - more often used by others

Please visit the members' home page for answers to "Just For Fun"

PREVIOUS MICTA ALERTS

• January 2006

• December 2005

• November 2005

Alert Index