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

Major accomplishments: This task was completed this week due to my completion of the research phase of the project. The information collected from this task will be used during the upcoming analysis phase to determine equipment features important to TETN clients.

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

Major accomplishments: This task was completed this week too. I did search the Internet for positive or negative comments on any of the devices previously tested. I also contacted more video professionals directly on the telephone and via email to get opinions on video equipment they had purchased. The contacts were obtained from email lists and previous meetings. I feel the combined information gathered from this task and task number 1 will be more than sufficient to complete a thorough analysis in the next phase of the project.

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

Major accomplishments: This was task completed 4-8-2005.

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

Major accomplishments: This was task completed 4-15-2005.

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

Major accomplishments: I have considered information from several sources, including the Internet, on this subject and found there are not a lot of comprehensive guidelines or policies. Most video streaming and videoconferencing guidelines are brief and integrated into other Information Technology (IT) use policies. While I didn't get a lot of information I feel it is enough to close this task. I already have a general idea of what needs to be done. My research is detailed in the Learning section, item 3 of this document.

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

Major accomplishments: An SQL query was completed showing TETN videoconference attendance over a sixth month period. During the analysis phase, a one month average of this data will be used along with the official State of Texas mileage guide to determine an estimated cost savings due to reduced travel. This task is closed.

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 received a small amount of feedback on equipment from vendors and expert advisors this week. I spent some time discussing acceptable use policy with other network administrators. I learned that their specific video policies are integrated into the overall network policy.

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 used people and the Internet this week to do a limited amount of equipment research. New resources used this week included different policy manuals within our organizations to determine what the policy may include. I learned that a lot of policy manuals need to be updated, but I did get some ideas from them.

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

Research Question: Research Question: What is considered acceptable use for a video streaming network?

Source: To answer this question the following Web sites were used: http://arts.internet2.edu/files/digital-asset-management(v09).doc
http://www.dis.wa.gov/k20/topc/aup.htm
Local network policy manuals were reviewed too.

Answer: Acceptable use of this video network will need to be determined by our organization with input from our clients, but the policy must include certain items. Along with the standard restrictions and limitations on network use, digital rights management must be considered due to the recording of videoconferences. The Internet research links, while not specifically about this proposal, provide some insight into possible policy statements.

Learning: Digital rights management and intellectual property issues weren't on my radar until I started doing this research. I learned that I must consider it.

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

When reviewing specification or data sheets of potential equipment always check with the vendor or a technical expert to verify accuracy. Many times a particular feature won't be supported until future software upgrades or release dates.

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

The research phase ended one week early. Everything went well. I had a little trouble finding information about acceptable use policies on the Internet, but after I realized I wasn't going to find an exact template I moved on.

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

The project is exactly one week ahead of schedule and I expect it to stay that way. I plan to use the full two weeks allotted for the analysis phase.

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.