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Green IT Initiatives

UTS has implemented several Green Initiatives and is working towards an objective whereby the initiatives become widely used practices on campus. There are many new Green beginnings that UTS is aspiring to introduce on campus. Some of the implemented and future initiatives are described below:

Paper-Based Processes Automated

Automating paper-based document workflow can reduce cost, improve accuracy, and reduce document processing costs. UTS is taking steps to reduce paper-based processes by automating various forms while publishing them online and create fillable versions of various documents. The Mac ID request form is a perfect example of that. It is now available online, it is also submittable and retrievable online which eliminates the usage of paper. Paper-based reports can also be automated. Learn more about the latest UTS initiative, E-reports.

Virtualization

Virtualization allows combining several applications into virtual machines on one single, powerful, physical system, thereby unplugging the original hardware and reducing power and cooling consumption. Virtualization may be both a means to deliver cloud computing and a solution delivered by it. UTS is currently using virtualization in the data centre and now looks at desktop virtualization options such as a Citrix solution.

Cloud Computing

Gartner defines it as "a service-based, scalable & elastic, shared, metered by use, & uses internet technologies" mechanism. One of the tenets of cloud computing is that you use what you need. Additionally, this technology is run on shared infrastructure and computers run at high utilization, which results in a reduced power usage. Even though you increase single-computer power usage when consolidating, net power decreases as you take other systems offline. The UTS data centre is based on the cloud computing concept.

Energy Efficiency

UTS is managing over 9 computer labs with 295 computers. Power consumption is being managed by using EZ GPO tool that allows for centralized control of power management settings (monitor power management, system standby, and hibernate). As a result, UTS was recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency while receiving a Certificate in recognition of the commitment to a better environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a participant in the Low Carbon IT Campaign.

Teleconferencing

Rising energy costs and environmental concerns bring into question, an employee's need to commute or travel for business(meeting, interview, etc.). Teleconferencing is a good Green alternative to a travel for meetings. UTS is providing this service to the campus community.

Voice Over IP (VoIP) Technology

This technology reduces the telephony wiring infrastructure by sharing the existing Ethernet copper and is considered to be a Green alternative to most traditional telephony technologies. VoIP telephony is being implemented in all new buildings and major renovations, preceded by an infrastructure upgrade.

UTS Mission and Value Statement

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Service Desk

Service Catalog:
Hours:	Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Phone:	905-525-9140 x24357 (2HELP)
Email:	uts@mcmaster.ca
Location:	Main Campus BSB Rm. 245
http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts