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Monash's Computer Centre plans to introduce a range of new services, including new email, calendar and workgroup services, collectively known as the Monash Messaging System, in July.
Based on Netscape Communicator, the new system provides an integrated interface for email, calendar, directory and workgroup services to operate within a user-friendly environment with enhanced security features.
Key features of the new system include:
Under the new system, email has the common look and feel of the Netscape browser.
It enables email to be stored on central servers or locally on hard disk. When stored on central servers, Monash users will be able to access their mail from anywhere in the world.
Appropriate security controls are provided to protect mail. Mail can be digitally signed, encrypted using public/private key algorithms and authenticated by those receiving the email.
A function enabling the migration of Pegasus mail on PCs to Netscape mail has also been developed and is available from the MMS home page.
Monash users will be able to launch a calendar from the Netscape browser.
The calendar will provide for the scheduling of appointments by the main user, as well as by other authorised individuals or groups sharing the same service. For example, secretaries could key-in appointments for others, and individuals could schedule the use of shared resources such as meeting rooms and cars.
As well, the calendar can be accessed from anywhere in the world using the same security mechanisms as the new email system.
The new Monash workgroup client service, known as Collabra, will be similar to newsgroup services widely available across the Internet.
The Monash system, however, will be set up to enable groups to privately collaborate in a way that is controlled by the nominated group moderator.
Security will be maintained by the use of digital certificates, which are based on public/private key algorithms, enabling encryption, digital signatures and authentication of received email. Digital certificates will be available later this year.
The Monash directory service will be the spine of the new system.
The database underpinning the directory service includes all Monash staff and students. Users will be able to quickly find the email address of Monash people and verify digitally signed email received from them.
The service will be updated each night from several sources.
Security will be ensured through the use of digital certificates. Initially, passwords will be used until the certificate service is introduced later in the year.
Large centrally maintained servers have been commissioned to store email, calendars and workgroup messages.
These servers have been engineered to be highly reliable, with backups occurring nightly.
On-line training materials are available from the MMS home page at http://www.monash.edu.au/cc/services/mms
The Performance Development and Training Branch is also offering training sessions. For details, see http://www.monash.edu.au/personnel/pdt or the course listings in the PD&T column on this page.
Associate director of Monash's Computer Centre and MMS project director Mr Jack Chorowicz said the new MMS system was being introduced in stages across Monash's faculties and departments.
"During the system roll out, it is important for staff to coordinate with their local technical working party support person to ensure they have capable equipment," Mr Chorowicz said. "Staff may need help to install the software and to migrate Pegasus folders to Netscape.
"To ensure that they are up-to-date, staff should keep a regular check on the MMS home page for the latest information and software."
The latest pre-configured Monash customised browser can be downloaded from the MMS home page at http://www.monash.edu.au/cc/services/mms
In
your face Four centuries after its premiere, Shakespeare's 'Henry IV' remains disturbingly relevant today.
And in its forthcoming production of 'Henry 4' (a distillation of 'Henry IV Parts I and II') at Monash, the Bell Shakespeare Company aims to bridge the time gap and recreate the shock, impact and freshness that these plays had 400 years ago.
'Henry 4' goes on stage at Monash's Alexander Theatre, Clayton campus, on 8 July as part of the 1998 Active for Life Monash Theatre Season. For further information, contact the Monash Box Office on extn 51111.
More than 180 teachers, from Toorak to Geelong, attended Monash's annual Teachers' Seminar last Friday.
The event, organised by the Prospective Students Office, updates teachers on new initiatives and directions for teaching and learning at Monash as well as within the broader higher education field.
Deputy vice-chancellor (Academic & Planning) Professor Alan Lindsay gave the keynote address, while other speakers included Dr Tony Patti, deputy associate-dean of the Science faculty, Professor Rob Willis of the Faculty of Information Technology, and Dr Mark Peel of the Department of History.
This year's program included tours to the Berwick, Peninsula, Caulfield and Parkville campuses.
Popular Monash eatery Wellington's Bistro in the Union building on Clayton campus is now open for breakfast.
The extended service was jointly announced by Clayton campus director and deputy vice-chancellor Professor Peter Darvall and the Union's director, Mr Joe Curtis, at a breakfast gathering at 'Wellies' last Friday.
Guests included Monash staff and members of the wider community. They were entertained by television personality Con the Fruiter.
The initiative aimed to highlight the bistro's new opening hours to Monash staff while promoting the university's diverse services and facilities, including its shops, restaurants and the Union Cinema, to the wider community.
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