Enterprise Systems Project

Will everyone on campus need new hardware and software? The type of computing system people need will depend on the kind of work they do. The basic computer system required is described here: http://www.umn.edu/redesign/technology/psreqs.html However, people who spend a significant part of their time working with student or human resources data will probably need a more capable computer system. To assist in planning and budgeting for future computer needs (and associated support), a group of University college and department representatives developed the College/Departmental Computing Cost Model online at http://www.umn.edu/oit/arch/cdcm/cdcm.htm Can I use my Macintosh? It may be possible for you to use a Macintosh. We have done some testing of the PeopleSoft software running under the Virtual PC emulation product on several Macintosh G3 systems. While PeopleSoft does not recommend this configuration, we have found that it does seem to work well. Our tests have not been exhaustive and there may be areas where the compatibility is not complete, but as of this writing (May 1998) it appears that this is a workable configuration. Note that there is not a PeopleSoft client that runs on the Macintosh in native MacOS mode. If you have questions about running the PeopleSoft client software in emulation mode, call Phil at 625-6821. Where can I see PeopleSoft client software running on various machines? You can get a feel for the PeopleSoft software at the Academic and Distributed Computing Services "showrooms" in 152 Shepherd Labs on the East Bank and 50 Coffey Hall in St. Paul. The showrooms feature PeopleSoft applications running on various desktop computer configurations including Windows/95 and Apple Macintosh. The showrooms are open from 8:00am until 5:00pm Monday through Friday. What kind of network connections will I need? To effectively access the Enterprise systems (which use PeopleSoft and the Electronic Grants Management System (EGMS) software, a switched ethernet connection to the campus network is required, along with a qualified Local Area Network (LAN). Will the new system use Web browsers or client/server systems? Initially, the PeopleSoft client/server software will be required. In the future, the Enterprise project, and the PeopleSoft applications, will have both a Web-based interface and a client/server system. Why did the University select PeopleSoft software? After extensive research, the Enterprise Systems Project team identified PeopleSoft as the software that can best meet the University's current and future needs. There is no other integrated software available that is more suitable to the needs of higher education institutions. PeopleSoft has an impressive track record in other industries and is a market leader with successful human resources and financial systems in many other large institutions. As of August 1997, more than 70 colleges and universities had contracts with PeopleSoft to provide their administrative software. The University's Enterprise Systems Project staff are in close communication with colleagues at other universities that are implementing PeopleSoft solutions. More information about PeopleSoft's products and services for higher education is available online; general information about PeopleSoft is available at http://www.peoplesoft.com/.   © 1999 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Last modified on February 8, 1999 Logo design for the Enterprise Systems Project by Amy Grozik, an alumni of the University. Send questions or comments to:  Enterprise Systems Project