Computing & Information Services
Computing Policy Committee Minutes
February 19, 2003
4 - 5 p.m.
ETC 309
The CPC can be contacted at computing-policy@reed.edu
Present: Ann Delehanty, Jim Fix, Paul Gronke, Vickie Hanawalt, Keith Karoly (chair), Leslie Limper, Ed McFarlane, Karen Perkins-Butzien (for Peter Steinberger), Chris Rempel, Martin Ringle, Jon Rivenberg, Tristan Trotter
Absent: Ethan Benatan, Ethan Jackson, Peter Steinberger
1. Update to Theft/Loss Policy: Marty presented the current Theft/Loss policy to the committee, with some suggestions of changes generated by CIS. Most notably, CIS recommends that there be provisions in the policy for partial monetary compensations for computer equipment that is damaged as a result of negligence on the part of the user. Verbiage was discussed and approved. Revised wording will be circulated by Marty under separate cover, and pending committee approval, posted in all appropriate places.
2. Alternative ISP options: Due to Ethan's absence, Marty briefed the committee on the fact that Reed's contract with Earthlink for 175 Reed-owned email accounts will be coming to an end in May. CIS performed a survey to determine user satisfaction with Earthlink, and found that 3/4 of users are satisfied or very satisfied; but at the same time, 1/3 of the users reported connection problems. CIS suspects that this discrepancy can be attributed to pervading low expectations of Earthlink's performance. In any case, due to several factors, including a recent lay-off of 25% of Earthlink's employees, a potential increase in our costs next year of as much as $13,440, and the fact that our representative has somehow disappeared (endangering our "friendly" relationship with them) CIS is researching alternative ISP options. AOL and MSN were considered, but CIS found that the costs were comparable to Earthlink's, and user satisfaction was even lower. Reed could potentially bring the whole thing in-house, but the logistics and costs of this option would most likely be prohibitive. So the most feasible option seems to be to go with an ISP wholesaler. Two that we are considering are Flexpop and Universal Pops. These companies feature full service connections (at rates comparable to Earthlink's current fees) or connection service only (no email, no after hours customer service) possibly for less than we are currently paying Earthlink.
The committee gave its approval for CIS to pursue whichever of ISP wholesaler options will work best. CIS will make every effort to ensure that the transition from Earthlink to the chosen ISP goes as smoothly as possible, given the unfortunate timing of the switch-over (i.e., close to the end of the semester, when faculty and staff will be traveling, and most in need of the off-campus dial-up service).
3. SPAM filtering tests: IMAP accounts have been created for members of the CPC to test. Issuing of the accounts was deferred until Ethan returns next week, so he can assist with set-up questions. Committee members who test the accounts will be asked to provide feedback to Ethan.
Last modified: October 15, 2003