College reviews new software

Package will enhance the current system

Two College committees are currently researching and preparing to purchase a new software network for the College's administrative computers.

The Administrative Computing Advisory Committee (ACAC), which is made up of both faculty and administrators, chaired by director of research Ross Peacock, is currently reviewing three different vendors' proposals for packages.

After ACAC completes its survey, the ultimate decision on a purchase will be made by the Information Technology Planning Committee, a senior staff committee.

The new software system would upgrade the current system, according to John Bucher, director of computing. "You can think about it as pieces of software that all talk to each other," he said.

The new software system includes an integrated data base and will allow greater manipulation and updating of information.

"This is a very, very strategic move for the College," Bucher said. "And one that has to be done if they wish to stay competitive."

Bucher said that the process involves the entire College, not just the Computing Center. He said that by including many parts of the College administration, "We're doing it right."

The vendor proposals were received on Sept. 20, after ACAC sent out requests for proposals to various vendors on Aug. 20.

Bucher hopes that a decision on the package will be made in the next few weeks, and implementation will begin in January 1997. "It is a very elaborate process. It changes the way the College does business," Bucher said. It is predicted that the implementation of such a new software network would be complete in three to five years, according to Baucher.

He said that the cost of the packages "run in the hundreds of thousands of dollars."

In making a decision about the final package, Bucher said that the committees will consider costs beyond direct price. He said they will take into account maintenance, extra staff and other incurred costs.