Upgrade of Applications Announcement

To:       AIS Users

From:    Frank Scobby, Director AIS

RE:        Upgrade of Applications

     This is an open memo to all SIU university staff who have a logon ID to AIS (Administrative Information Systems).  AIS has been working with the campus business offices to upgrade and test the computer applications used on a daily basis to purchase goods, pay vendors/suppliers and pay employees.  This upgrade is to the latest version (11i/11.5.10) of the applications as delivered by Oracle Corporation.  The plan is to complete the upgrade during the Thanksgiving break.  While SIU is among the last of the higher education institutions to conduct this upgrade, we do so now to avoid a de-support date at the end of January 2007.  Most of you are casual users of AIS.  Hopefully, you have heard of this upgrade, but have not yet been exposed to it as those in the central business offices.  As such, we want to provide some information to  you regarding the upgrade and what it means to you.

     As with most computer software, eventually it requires an upgrade or reinstall (i.e. Windows XP).  For AIS, this is the first major upgrade since the original implementation in September, 1999.  Given the complexity of such upgrades and the time it takes to conduct them, it is not something SIU can  do very frequently.  The upgrade itself is now in the final stage of preparation.  One more round of testing is scheduled for mid-September through October.  The actual upgrade is scheduled to be conducted over the Thanksgiving weekend.

     So, what does this mean to you?  For everyone, there is a new "Jinitiator" to load to your PC.  You had to do this prior to your first access to AIS.  Instructions will be provided for how to load this new version of the software.  After that, your first logon to AIS will be different.  A new Password standard will be in effect that will require you to change your password every 60 days in order to meet Illinois Auditor General recommendations. Links will be provided to these documents as well as others that will help you or your LAN Administrator to get your PC ready for 11i.   Once you have logged on, you will notice a more user friendly / Windows-like environment.  Navigation within the applications will be different, but somewhat intuitive for experienced users.  Many, if not all, actions you need to perform will be very similar to the current AIS environment.

     In order for you to learn about the AIS upgrade to 11i and the changes to business processes, educational opportunities will be provided to all campus department users.  However, you will not be required to attend a classroom / instructor led session.  AIS is developing web based / E-Learning modules so you may discover the new features from the convenience of your office desk via a web link.  This provides opportunity for you to participate in learning without having to leave your office and on your own time schedule.  We are pleased to be able to offer this new distance learning delivery method.

     As we approach the Thanksgiving weekend for the live, production upgrade, we will send additional messages such as this to you.  Please watch your email and the AIS website to keep up with the progress and to learn what you will need to do to prepare for the new AIS.     

Thank you.