Concordia migrates to central email system
Concordia is rolling out a new central email system designed to enhance communication and collaboration among faculty and staff.
This modern enterprise messaging service – Microsoft Exchange 2010 – involves the upgrade and consolidation of over 10 email systems into one central environment, and is expected to be fully implemented by this summer.
“Not only will this reduce the number of systems and technologies that need to be managed, it will also improve email service, information security, reliability and provide more comprehensive performance and disaster recovery,” says Marc Denoncourt, Associate Vice-President, Information Systems, and Chief Information Officer.
The new service will standardize Concordia's email naming convention – meaning that all addresses will now follow the format firstname.lastname@concordia.ca. However, current email addresses will be maintained in parallel for a period of time, allowing users to continue to receive email to their old address.
The new system will also provide a higher level of service to faculty and staff, while simplifying support and lowering management costs. All existing systems will be merged into one cohesive, consistent system, with uniform policies and increased capacity.
Faculty and staff will benefit from enhanced, common calendar support and mailing lists, making it easier to book appointments and meetings with colleagues across the university.
“There will be more space for mail, as well as access to common mailing lists, increased information security, and integration with other Microsoft Office productivity tools. Communication tools across the university will be greatly improved,” says Project Manager Steve Bush with Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS).
Support for mobile devices is another key component. “Better browser support means that faculty and staff can check their email from anywhere in the world – a necessity in today’s work environment,” says Bush.
The new email system will eventually allow for the integration of additional applications, and communication platforms, including mobile messaging, instant messaging, a collaboration platform (SharePoint) and voice message applications.
Migration is taking place one Faculty/department at a time, with support from IITS and departmental IT representatives.
The anticipated sequence of migration is as follows: IITS and administrative departments already using Exchange (already in progress), followed by the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Libraries, the Faculty of Arts and Science, the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, and the John Molson School of Business.
Related links:
• Email consolidation page
• Migration FAQ
• Instructional and Information Technology Services