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Home > About VSU > Computing at VSU

Computing and Data Networking Facilities

The university operates a variety of sophisticated, state-of-the art computing and data networking facilities to support its academic, research and administrative activities. The facilities include several powerful UNIX-based central servers, Over 3,000 microcomputers, 90 high-end workstations, and 50 distributed file servers running Novell NetWare or Microsoft Windows Server 2000/2003, all of which are interconnected via a high speed data network.

VSU was recognized nationally in October 2001 by Yahoo! Internet Life magazine as one of the ‘Top 100 Most Wired’ campuses in the United States and is known in the University System of Georgia as a technology leader. Located in the Computer Center in Nevins Hall, a Hewlett Packard 9000 large-scale business server, model N4000, supports the student information system. VSU keeps updated with the state-wide implementation of the SCT Banner Student Information and Financial Aid Systems, enhancing student support operations such as admissions, registration, advising, and financial aid processing. Student registration and general access to data can be easily accomplished via the web or the Campus Pipeline Luminis portal. The Business and Financial Software System from PeopleSoft Corporation has been managed by VSU since June 1999 and placed in full production in November 2001. All systems utilize the Oracle RDBMS database product.

Housed in two secured server rooms on the main campus and managed by the Systems Support Services group, a load-balanced series of Sun V and E series servers and StorEdge storage servers provide domain name services, email, web, portal, and courseware services for the students, faculty, and staff. Directory and email services are provided to the portal and email clients via the Sun One platform products that are integrated into the Campus Pipeline Luminis portal. Courseware is provided using the WebCT Vista product and supports as many as 200 faculty and 5000 students in 200 courses. Supporting both the portal and courseware services is a separate Oracle RDBMS instance.

An extensive data network, with its central core of bridges and routers, provides Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet communications between all servers and microcomputers. The 20 miles of fiber and 62 miles of copper wire connect main campus buildings, as well as three on North Campus, the VSU Regional Center for Continuing Education 1 mile away, Plant Operations 1.5 miles away, and 12 buildings adjacent to the main campus. Internet access is provided via a circuit to the state-wide PeachNet network (currently 100Mbps). In addition to the “hardwired” network described, VSU has also implemented an extensive wireless data network. Over 250 wireless access points have been installed in all academic buildings and residence halls on the campus to create an umbrella of coverage. All resident students have wireless capability, and all academic buildings including Odum Library are supported, as well as three student activities locations. To increase utilization, 12 roll-around carts with 20 wireless laptops each have been provided to various academic departments for student checkout to use in classes.

Currently 3,710 “end user” type computers are located on the Valdosta State University campus. Microcomputers are provided to every faculty member and all staff in administrative offices. Over 1,800 microcomputers are available to students in 60 labs and classrooms, with 3 to 80 machines each, located throughout the campus. Special purpose labs provide CAD, molecular modeling, graphics, video production, and music software to support programs such as pre-engineering, interior design, chemistry, mass media, and music. Two labs are installed at Kings Bay Naval Base to support VSU operations at that location. All machines have the campus standard software installed: Microsoft Windows XP and Office 2003 Professional, communications products (Internet Explorer, Outlook, Netscape, Eudora, Secure Shell, and others) and centrally managed virus protection software. Various microcomputer servers, Sun and Compaq highend workstations, local networks, and other facilities are located centrally and in the colleges and administrative offices to provide additional support to students, faculty, and staff.

VSU’s Odum Library operates seven student computer labs with 18-80 PCs each. The library has 20 study rooms available to VSU affiliates, each equipped with a computer connected to the campus network, the Internet, and a network printer. The library implemented a new web catalog from the Endeavor Company in January 2001, called GIL (Galileo Interconnected Libraries), which is now used by all University System schools. GIL provides not only the Online Public Access Catalog, but also the University System of Georgia Union Catalog (formerly PALS), making it possible to place electronic requests for books held by other USG libraries. In 2004 the Odum Library Inter-Library Loan department implemented the commercial product titled ILLIAD. This computer system aids in the sharing of scholarly information worldwide. During fall semester 2005 the ILLIAD program facilitated the fulfillment of over 3,500 requested articles and other various forms or research data to recipients worldwide.