Description:  Reduce the server hardware and data storage equipment footprint on campus to achieve cost savings, efficiencies, and benefits associated with cloud-based technologies. Utilizing cloud infrastructure vendors can offer UMB almost unlimited capacity. Cloud computing facilitates the rapid deployment of IT resources. Cloud infrastructure vendors offer a “pay as you go” subscription model where UMB would only be obligated to pay for those services that are consumed. Cloud infrastructures offer green computing improvements/carbon footprint reduction by reducing the consumption of resources required to manufacture or operate physical computing equipment itself, as well as datacenter operations resource consumption. By transferring hardware maintenance to cloud service vendors, UMB IT staff can focus on efforts that are central to advancing UMB’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Also, UMB would no longer need to carry the lease and occupy the data center at 300 West Lexington Street.

Description: Leverage the UMB licensing agreement with Microsoft and utilize Microsoft’s Azure computing infrastructure to develop and implement the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) wherever possible.  The Azure computing infrastructure and AVD will enhance IT security when accessing UMB systems and data and provide the opportunity to buy less expensive computers. Instead of installing and connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and remembering the specifics to connect to an on-premises computer, an individual just opens a modern web browser and logs into AVD with their UMB credentials. This is the value of connecting anytime, anywhere. A virtual computing infrastructure hosted by Microsoft is continually kept up-to-date and contemporary.

Description:  Support research activities generated by the Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA), the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), the agreements with TriNetX and the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), and other research programs through the development and use of cloud computing and cloud infrastructure solutions. Leverage the UMB licensing agreement with Microsoft and utilize Microsoft’s Azure computing infrastructure to develop and implement the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) wherever possible.

Description:  Continue to leverage the Information Security Collaborative (ISC) partnership of UMB schools, departments, and affiliated entities to strengthen UMB’s overall security posture by seeking and addressing vulnerabilities, assessing and mitigating risks, and heightening cybersecurity awareness.

Description:  Expand and promote the UMB Data Analytics program to allow for the analysis of data within and across institutional data sources so it can help advance UMB reporting in such strategic areas as finance and resource allocation, student success, human resources, facilities and building maintenance, philanthropy, etc.

Description:  Enhance education applications and systems, for both in-classroom and remote teaching and learning, by expanding the availability of digital services and products that provide new, contemporary solutions for faculty and students; and develop a UMB-wide inventory of new and existing educational technologies, including audio/video technologies. Where possible and applicable, pursue consolidating and/or sharing these technologies and spaces, both licenses for electronic access and physical spaces where these technologies reside.

Description: Reimagine the future by implementing new and/or upgrading existing aging information systems and applications, including the MyUMB Portal, Travel Expense system, the HR/Payroll system, the Student information management system, the Development/Fund Raising system, an eProcurement system, and other information systems and applications as needed.

Description:  Support the UMB Center for Global Engagement and global programs and initiatives via the availability and use of contemporary tools and technologies, both at UMB and around the world.

Description: Support the UMB Community Engagement Center and local UMB community engagement activities with technology resources that improve the human condition and further build relationships with our neighbors in West Baltimore.