Technology Impacts

Service Availability 

  • Cloud-based services, such as UO’s Microsoft applications: Should remain available throughout the testing. 
  • UO-based technology services: Most should remain operational. Information Services and CPFM are taking extra measures to protect the UO data centers. 
  • Network: Expect minor disruptions to the UO network. Details below. 
  • Sensitive electronics: May be unavailable in locations where faculty and staff have done preventative shutdowns. 

 Information Services staff plan to keep the IT Service Status website up to date with notices about any unexpected outages. 

Network Impacts

Wired and wireless networks will stop working when a building’s power is off.  

  • Expect: Intermittent network outages. 
  • Possible: Localized lingering network outages may occur if network devices fail. If so, Information Services staff will post notices on the IT Service Status website.  Recovery will begin on Friday, August 14—after CPFM has completed all testing. Restoration could take a day or longer.    

Sensitive Electronics: Action Required 

Turn Devices Off Before Testing 

To protect sensitive electronic devices, Information Services recommends turning them off and unplugging them before testing begins—unless you’ve been directed otherwise. 

Examples of sensitive devices 

  • Research equipment 
  • Multifunction copiers 
  • Digital display panels 
  • Audiovisual equipment 

What about my computer? 

  • You can continue using standard devices throughout the testing, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and cell phones. 
  • They’re not as sensitive to power outages. 

Why turn off sensitive devices? 

  • Such devices can be damaged by the power surge when power is turned back on. 
  • Surge protectors are helpful but don’t guarantee that devices will be preserved. 

Who will turn off devices? 

It depends on the device, location, and who typically manages it. 

  • Classrooms scheduled by the Office of the Registrar (general pool and joint-controlled classrooms): Information Services staff will shut down AV equipment. 
  • Classrooms and conference rooms managed by departments: In most cases, local staff should shut down and unplug departmental AV equipment. 
  • Other sensitive electronics in your area: Faculty and staff should shut down and unplug devices as appropriate. 

Restarting devices: Who does what when? 

  • Devices you’ve shut down. 
    • Wait to turn them back on until you get the UO Alert text message or email announcing the end of the second day of testing on Thursday, August 13. 
  • Classrooms scheduled by the Office of the Registrar (general pool and joint-controlled classrooms). 
    • Information Services staff will turn on AV equipment, prioritizing spaces with active classes. That process could take several days. 
    • To request faster service restoration for specific classrooms, people can submit a ticket at classroom technology support.   

Questions?