Welcome to the second — and first online only — issue of TechTalk, the official newsletter of the Office of Converging Technologies.  Please let us know at techtalk@qc.edu, if there are any articles or issues you would like discussed in future newsletters. From now on, TectTalk will be published only online.

OCT Partnership with Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems, Inc. is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco's Internet Protocol-based (IP) networking solutions are the foundation of the Internet and most corporate, education, and government networks around the world. To help bolster education around the world, the company founded the Cisco Networking Academy, a comprehensive program dedicated to teaching students to design, build, and maintain computer networks.

Queens College has become a partner with Cisco Systems. Since July 2000, the college has been a Regional /Local Academy for the Networking Academy Program. O.I.T. was chosen to research, plan and implement the Cisco Networking Academy Program because our staff possesses both the technical and training expertise necessary. The program is administered through O.I.T. by Ruby Chua.

To date, we offer both the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) degree curriculums to the community as well as to the enrolled student population. Currently there are twelve O.I.T. staff members — trained by Cisco — teaching the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum.

The courses are offered through the college’s Continuing Education Program. For program information please call the Office of Cisco Training Academy at 718-997-4984, e-mail Ruby Chua, or go to our site at http://www.qc.edu/OCT/cisco.html.

To register please call the Office of Continuing Education Programs at 718-997-5700,e-mail cep@qc.edu, or go to their web site at http://www.qc.edu/cep

Computer Labs

O.I.T. maintains computer labs in three locations: I Building, Kiely Hall and the Science Building. The labs offer a variety of computers and software for students, classes, and faculty and staff. For detailed information, please go to our Computer Labs page at http://www.qc.edu/OCT/labs.html

Network Upgrade & Construction

Morris Altman, our director of Network Infrastructure, informs us that Phase 3 of the Network Infrastructure Initiative (NII) will begin in September. An $800,000 project funded by the state and implemented by O.I.T. in collaboration with the CUNY Office of Instructional Technology, the project is a continuation of the initial NII Project, a multi-year information technology plan to provide an updated network infrastructure for faculty, staff, and students. A major portion of the project is to upgrade network wiring and electronics for high-speed data communications in student computer labs. Classrooms, faculty and staff offices also will be wired.

Phase 3 includes electronics upgrades to improve security and reliability of the network. Kissena Hall will be connected to the campus backbone via fiber optic cable. G Building, Gertz, King Hall, Rathaus Hall, Jefferson Hall and floors 9 through 12 of Kiely Hall, as well as student computer labs in Kiely Hall, Remsen Hall, Kissena Hall and the rest of the Science Building will be wired.

The work will last about six months. As with all construction projects, some noise, dirt and inconvenience is expected. We apologize for any inconvenience which we will try hard to minimize . We will keep you informed of the progress through this newsletter. If you have any problems during the project, please let us know by calling extension 3009, and we will do our best to help you.