Research Phase

Task 1: Determine specific TETN client requirements by conducting phone surveys. [In Progress]

Major accomplishments: Phone and email surveys were conducted during the week. The stakeholder and site managers responded with some valuable feedback allowing me to consider their requirements for use in the final request for proposal (RFP). Additional feedback about requirements will be requested and encouraged during the next few weeks.

Task 2: Gather information about enterprise video streaming solutions that meet the requirements. [In Progress]

Major accomplishments: Information about video streaming and digital content delivery systems were collected for future analysis. The Internet was the source of this information collection. Personal interviews with equipment vendors and colleagues were conducted to determine specific equipment capabilities and limitations. A product demonstration of the Codian IP/VCR and multipoint control unit (MCU) were conducted via the Internet. More product demonstrations will be conducted in the following weeks.

Task 3: Explore Internet connection alternatives with an ISP. [Completed]

Major accomplishments: Two choices for Internet connectivity are available. After discussions with the stakeholder, the existing Internet2 connection through the University of Texas was selected for use due to convenience, cost, and ease of integration with the existing network infrastructure.

Task 4: Research network infrastructure equipment required to support the operation and security of additional equipment and connections. [In Progress]

Major accomplishments: A meeting with our Cisco Account Manager and System Engineer was accomplished this week to determine specific router and security requirements for the proposed Internet connection. Cisco has promised to provide official proposal options next week that can be added to the RFP.

Task 5: Consider system acceptable use guidelines with the stakeholder and site managers. [In Progress]

Major accomplishments: I have made acceptable use guidelines part of the requested feedback in task 1. Discussions are on-going and center on how clients will connect to and use live and archived video content. This is expected to be a living document that changes frequently until we learn how to effectively operate our new capability.

Task 6: Conduct research on cost savings resulting from reduced travel expenses. [In Progress]

Major accomplishments: It was decided that the official mileage guide for the state of Texas (http://www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/texastra.html) and the Texas Education Telecommunications Network's (TETN) videoconference attendance data will be used for this report.

Determining the minimum specifications for the network infrastructure equipment that will be added to the RFP was an important decision. Ensuring the equipment can handle the load and secure the internal network was a top priority. Meeting with equipment vendors helped determine what is required. After this meeting I decided to add post installation configuration support to the RFP too.

1) What helpful feedback did you get in the class (instructor, classmates) and outside the class (user, stakeholder, beneficiary, mentor, expert advisor, others)? What did you learn from this feedback?

I requested and received feedback from the stakeholder, site managers, vendors, and expert advisors this week. The feedback guided my search for the information I needed and helped me make the required decisions. Their ideas added to my personal knowledge, particularly on how the system should work administratively.

2) What resources did you use this week (e.g., people, money, equipment, systems, or software)? Did you add new resources? What was your learning?

I have used all my resources this week and expect to continue doing this until the end of the project. The Internet provides a vast amount of information and to my surprise even provides valid product demonstrations for some video equipment. Other learning includes staying focused on the objectives and tasks of the project. It's very easy when talking to vendors to add equipment to the project because it does a few more things. Avoid scope creep!

3) What research did you perform this week that was assisting and/or literature based? What is your findings/learning?

Research Question: Is there a common set of functions that all video streaming equipment supports? What functions are different?

Source: To answer these questions research and vendor Web sites were used including:
http://www.wainhouse.com
http://www.starbak.com
http://www.vbrick.com
http://www.codian.com
Internet2 e-mail lists are another source that was used.

Answer: There are many common and unique functions in this equipment By collecting and documenting these features it will be easier to write specific specifications in the final RFP that will meet the project objectives.

Learning: I have a much better understanding of the equipment I'm requesting a proposal for. This should make future decisions easier.

4) What did you learn this week in general in producing your project?

I learned that I'm not a great note taker. It's difficult to recall everything you did the week before if the notes aren't that good. I plan to improve that next week by having a notebook specifically for this project with a copy of the weekly task questions. I expect writing down ideas in an organized manner will improve my time management.

1) What went well this week? What didn't?

The week went very well. I started on all my tasks with no problems to report. I completed one out of the six tasks, but they're not due until 5/1/2005. Everyone is providing constructive feedback and is sincere about making this project work.

2) How well did you stick to your project schedule?

I feel the project is on schedule and I may actually be able to complete the first phase a week early. I had meetings with vendors and technical advisors much earlier in the project than expected.

3) How prepared are you to conclude your project in Unit 10 as required in this course?

I am fully prepared at this time to conclude the project according to plan.

4) How likely is it that you will need to resort to your contingency plan?

Everything is going according to plan and I do not anticipate using my contingency plan.