IN THIS ISSUE:
*Update On The TIS RFP
*Major News In Learning Management Systems
*Organizations Challenge FCC CALEA Order
*Welcome To New Members
*Make Sure to Check Out This Month’s Vendor Specials
*A Look Into The Future Of Wireless Internet
*An analysis of Schools Network Security
*10 Tips For Better Time Management
*Just For Fun
Update On The TIS RFP
As you may or may not know-we are in the process of wrapping up our TIS RFP process. We currently have contracts in place with 7 vendors, and expect to get an 8th contract in place soon with Applied Global Technologies (AGT). The 7 vendors officially under contract are:
MCI
McLeodUSA
Qwest
Sprint
Visual Systems Group, Inc. (VSGI)
Wireless Frontier Internet
WireOne
Click here to view an update on each of these companies' agreements with MiCTA/ATAlliance.
If you have any additional information please feel free to contact the MiCTA offices at 1-888-870-8677.
Major News In Learning Management Systems
Learning Management Systems has made significant strides over the past several years. eLMS users are constantly looking for new products that increase efficiency and reduce complexity, providers are always looking for ways to improve their existing products and roll out their newest technology. In light of the ever-changing market and new eLMS RFP, MiCTA would like to make its members aware of the recent changes in the Learning Management Systems Industry. Two of the top companies in the field, Blackboard and WebCT, have recently announced a merger that should close by early 2006. This announcement means that Desire2Learn moves up to the number 2 spot in the eLMS market. All of these companies have a strong relationship with MiCTA and its affiliates and they will continue to serve our members for years to come. Please take a minute or two to check out the most recent news, you can read about the Blackboard-WebCT merger by clicking here. You can also check out Desire2Learn’s reaffirmation of its commitment to providing its clients with industry leading products and services by clicking this link.
MiCTA would also like to announce that we are in the final stages of the Learning Management Systems RFP process. This week the evaluation committee will meet next week to finalize the RFP. We are hoping to get contracts in place as early as January 1st, 2006. Make sure to check out the MiCTA homepage to get all the latest news concerning the eLMS RFP.
Organizations Challenge FCC CALEA Order
A number of organizations are challenging the FCC’s recent Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) decision extending CALEA obligations to facilities-based Internet access providers and "interconnected VoIP service" providers. (See the ACUTA Alert distributed on October 17, 2005 at http://www.acuta.org/Docs/CALEAAlert10-17-05.pdf and in-depth analysis by Wiley Rein and Fielding at http://www.acuta.org/?1399.)
On October 24, the American Council on Education (ACE) filed an appeal in the federal appellate court for the District of Columbia on behalf of the higher education community, challenging the FCC Order. A statement on ACE website states that, "[i]n filing suit, we hope to convince the FCC that colleges and universities can provide the same access through alternative approaches without the need to incur the $7 billion expense of revamping our computer network systems."
In addition, various media are reporting that six companies and industry associations including CompTel, the Center for Democracy and Technology, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, Pulver.com, and Sun Microsystems, Inc. have filed or intent to file appeals of the FCC's Order in the D.C. Circuit Court.
These appeals allege that the regulations approved by the Commission exceeded the FCC’s statutory authority, and that the extension of CALEA provisions to Internet communications services could discourage innovation and economic growth, place unreasonable burdens on the development of technology, hinder privacy and free speech, and create a precedent for future regulation of the Internet.
This story is being reported widely in major media outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, Associated Press and others.
ACUTA will continue to keep our members informed and participate in the coalition of higher education associations that is pursuing this matter.
Welcome To New Members
APEX School of Theology
Georgia Technology Authority
Hospice of Central Michigan Inc.
Michigan Department of Corrections – CMHP (added)
RISS
Make Sure To Check Out This Month’s Specials From Brodart-Gateway-Office Depot
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Store and display your books, magazines and all types of media on 16-gauge welded steel Montel Aetnastak Steel Shelving units. Montel’s versatile starter-adder system allows you to add more shelving as your needs change. Montel also makes periodical units, backstop shelving and media shelving. Or, design your own Montel Aetnastak shelving! Simply choose the welded frame height and color, select a base shelf, choose specialty shelves to create your own flexible arrangement, and add the finishing touch with canopies and end panels. You can also add Brodart slatwall, magnetic or wood end panels to complete the look of your Montel Steel shelving. Superior strength that lasts, great flexibility and good looks – that’s Montel Aetnastak Steel Shelving. See our complete selection on pages 438 to 446 in our full line catalog. Or, go online at http://www.shopbrodart.com/shop/cb/product.aspx?pgid=1031
For more information on products and services for MICTA members from Brodart:
Call: 1-800-233-8467 ext. 4338
Click: http://www.shopbrodart.com/pricing/micta/
Fax: 1-800-578-1064
E-Mail: supplies.quotes@brodart.com
GW Quote #: 1031102
Quote Date: 10/31/05 8:53 CST
Gateway M360SB
System Quote
Part Number: 1008476
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition (SP2)
Operating System Software Backup Media: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional (SP2) Backup CD
Application Software: Microsoft® Works 8.0
AntiVirus Software: Norton AntiVirus 90 day introductory offer
Processor: Intel® Celeron® M Processor 360 (1.40GHz, 400MHz FSB, 1MB L2 cache)
Mobile Technology: Features Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology
Memory: 256MB 333MHz DDR SDRAM
Hard Drive: 40GB 4200rpm Ultra ATA hard drive
Floppy Drive: 4-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick®, MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital™, SmartMedia™)
Optical Drive: Integrated 24x CD-ROM Drive
Expansion Slots: One type II PC card slot
External Ports: (4) USB 2.0, VGA, IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Recycling Fee: My order is not shipping to California - no recycling fee required
Screen: 15.0" XGA TFT Active Matrix (1024 x 768 max. resolution)
Video: Integrated Intel Extreme 2 Graphics w/ UMA Memory Technology
Keyboard and Mouse: Full-Size Keyboard and EZ Pad® Pointing Device
Multimedia Package: Integrated sound and stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, and mic jacks
Speakers: External speakers not selected
Battery: Primary 6-cell Lithium ion battery with AC pack and 1 yr. limited battery warranty
Modem: Integrated V.90 56K Modem
Network Adapter: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet adapter
Integrated Wireless Networking Adapter: Integrated 802.11b/g wireless networking card (does not qualify as Intel® Centrino™ if Celeron processor is selected)
Extended Service Plan Including Limited Warranty: Notebook Value Service Plan -- 4 year part/labor/no on-site/4 year technical support
Additional Software: Adobe® Acrobat Reader® 6.0
________________________________________
System Quantity: 1
Discounted Price (including S&H): US $984.10
Delivered Price (including S&H): US $984.10
________________________________________
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 10/31/2005
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
Gateway FPD1775 17" Black High-Performance LCD Flat-Panel Display
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Mfr. Part #: FPD1775
Item #: 1533998
In-Stock: Usually ships in 2-3 days
$329.98 |
Click Here For Office Depot’s “Tax Time” Specials
A Look Into The Future Of Wireless Internet
It has been some time since Hurricane Katrina, and as the cleanup effort continues new technologies are being implemented that were out of the question just a few years ago. Wireless Internet has quickly become a very popular means of accessing the web, but it does have its restrictions. The Katrina cleanup effort has given the newest form of Wireless Internet, WiMax, a chance to be utilized on a large-scale basis. Many traditional wireless providers such as Verizon, Cingular, and Endorsed MiCTA Vendor –Sprint, have begun developing technologies and systems to provide low-cost or free city wide Internet networks. Please click this link to read MSNBC.com's article "The real wireless revolution is just beginning" by Michael Rogers.
An analysis of Schools Network Security
Nowadays, network security is a concern everywhere. It’s a big issue in businesses, hospitals, and schools all over the world. Many companies are able to afford the proper technology, however for schools on a budget it is another story. A recent ESN online article detailed the problems that many school network administrators experience with security and the Internet. The entire article can be read by clicking this link. The article, by Assistant Editor Robert Brumfield, is property of eSchoolNews.com
Ten Quick Tips to Greater Time Management
The holiday season will be upon us very shortly, every year it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get all your tasks done. Increased workloads for the end of the month and year, as well as all the extra tasks at home mean that schedules will be pushed to the limit. Make sure to read these 10 tips to make your time at the office as productive and efficient as it can be. This article is property of Mr. Dave Anderson and his website, LearnToLead.com, he can be reached via email at dave@learntolead.com.
Kouzes and Posner, authors of The Leadership Challenge, estimate that a leader has only nine minutes of time in-between interruptions. This being the case, if you don't structure your time well in advance each day you'll find yourself working off someone else's inbox while you grow more frustrated that your own work piles up before you. Effective leaders don't allow their busy days and vast responsibilities to overwhelm them. Rather, they become masters of their own time and schedules through disciplined and conscientious effort. Here are ten tips and insights that will help you leverage your time for optimal results:
1. Understand that you are surrounded by other people's agendas each day: your boss's; your employee's, your family's, your customer's, your vendor's and your friend's. Thus, if you don't fill your calendar with your own priorities, the time you have chosen not to manage will come under the influence of those around you.
2. Say “no” often. Realize that your daily schedule reveals two things: those things you've decided to do and those things you've decided not to do. Every decision to do one thing is at the same time a choice not to do a dozen other things: to say “no”. Healthy leaders politely, and regularly, say no to many of the opportunities presented to them. They know that opportunity doesn't equal obligation. In fact, the best leaders say no much more often than they say yes. They do so tactfully: saying no to the opportunity and not to the person and even offering an alternative course for the person when possible.
3. Always “sleep on it” before committing to a new obligation. Don't get caught up in the emotion of a moment and cavalierly take on new responsibilities without thinking it through. Don't let your mouth overload your back. What is on your schedule right now that you should have declined or turned down? Learn from it and don't be so impulsive next time to make someone else's life easier by saying yes while you further burden yourself.
4. Develop disciplined, effective routines. Some leaders categorize “routines” as dull and unpleasant and go to great extremes not to get locked into them. Yet, the most effective leaders use well-thought out routines to make sure priorities aren't getting overlooked. Peter Drucker said, “Routine makes unskilled people without judgment capable of doing what it took near genius to do before.” If routine does this for unskilled people, imagine what it can do for you.
5. Remember that just because you can do something doesn't mean you should do it. Relentlessly delegate, automate and outsource administrative tasks. Stop doing the wrong things well and often.
6. When an unexpected visitor stops by your office to chat (vendor, whiner, gossip and the like), stand up and remain standing. If you stand they are not likely to sit down and thus more likely to state their business and leave quickly.
7. Rip and read. Take the trade journals and magazines you get and go through them one time, ripping out the stories you're interested in and throwing away the rest. Place these articles in a file and carry them in your briefcase to read while you're waiting for appointments, in airports and so forth. Not only will this make it easier for you to keep fresh on current events in your down times, it will reduce the clutter stacks of periodicals and newspapers make in your office or home.
8. Block off time, preferably in the morning, where you do not take calls or look at the computer. In this hour or two, execute your priorities. As you attack the “main thing” early in the day, you can remain more effective throughout the day regardless of how harried things become.
9. Finish your day before you start it and evaluate and adjust at the days end. Review the “game film” of each day through your mind for five minutes before you go home and make adjustments on your calendar to make the next day more effective. By planning your days and weeks in advance you walk in each morning with more focus, confidence and resolve.
10. When at home, give your family focused attention. The good news is that as you follow the tips in this piece you'll be more effective at work and will be more likely to have a life away from the workplace. Don't answer the phone during meal times. If the people in your charge can't handle things in the time it takes you to converse and eat with your family then get yourself some real help.
The ten tips presented here don't take genius but they do take discipline, resolve and mental toughness. They will require that you add more structure to your day—and to your life. In today's undisciplined, make-it-up-as-you-go times, structure is missing in many lives and in organizations. But don't wince at the thought of more structure because structure is a good and necessary discipline. Without structure, you'll never develop to your fullest potential.
Just For Fun
The Military Honor of Purple Heart was originally known as
A) Military Honors
B) Badge of Military Merit
C) The Hero Award
D) The Pin of Honor
The inception of the NBA’s 24-second clock was in what year?
A) 1955
B) 1954
C) 1971
D) 1972
The Los Angeles Clippers were originally known as:
A) Baltimore Greyhounds
B) Syracuse Nats
C) Hartford Mayflowers
D) Buffalo Braves
Bytown was the original name of which major Canadian City
A) Vancouver
B) Toronto
C) Quebec
D) Ottawa
Please visit the members' home page for answers to "Just For Fun"
PREVIOUS MICTA ALERTS
• October 2005
• September 2005
• August 2005
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