Large scale improvements have been made within TTI’s Network and Information Systems over the last year, according to TTI Chief Information Officer (CIO) Brad Hoover. He detailed some of that progress during a briefing and Q&A with TTI employees Sept. 6.
Hoover, who was appointed CIO one year ago, described the progress that’s been made in addressing several deficiencies uncovered in an A&M System audit in 2011. The audit detailed concerns over quality of service, attitude among NIS employees, the need for additional employees and poor communications. “We think we have made improvements based on the feedback we have received, but it’s one of those things that we will be constantly watching,” said Hoover to the 30 or so TTI employees in attendance. “If you think we need to do better, please let me know.”
Hoover mentioned the recent hiring of three individuals that have filled vacant positions and described some changes that are about to get under way regarding Oracle, the database software that is the backbone for TTI’s information system.
NIS is in the process of changing its database system from Oracle to Microsoft.net. Although a complex process spanning the breadth of the Institute’s information resources, Hoover said the changeover should be complete within a couple of years. “The new system will be more efficient, easier to use and will have more features,” he said.
NIS is also currently evaluating various web-conferencing options to the A&M System’s Centra system, which doesn’t quite meet TTI’s needs, Hoover said. NIS plans to have alternatives to Centra available to TTI employees within the next six months or so. In addition, starting immediately, TTI has relaxed the password change policy from 90 days to 180 days.