Purpose:
This policy aims to ensure that Arkansas Tech University’s technology infrastructure remains current, secure, and aligned with the purpose and mission of the university.
Procedure:
Regular Assessments:
- Conducts quarterly technology assessments to identify areas for improvement and evaluates the effectiveness of the existing infrastructure.
- Assesses the performance, security, and scalability of hardware, software, and network components.
- Provides recommendations for further action.
Software and System Updates:
- Performs monthly updates to apply patches, updates, and security fixes for all systems, applications, and software.
- Utilizes a testing environment to verify the compatibility and stability of updates before deploying them to production systems.
- Vendor and Supplier Engagement:
Maintains relationships with technology vendors and suppliers.
- Regularly reviews vendor product roadmaps, release notes, and updates to stay informed about new features, upgrades, and emerging technologies.
- Evaluates vendor products and services to ensure they align with ATU’s technology strategy and objectives.
Documentation and Knowledge Management:
- Utilizes a centralized repository for infrastructure documentation, including network diagrams, system configurations, and security protocols.
- Uses a knowledge management system to capture and share best practices, lessons learned, and troubleshooting guides.
- Regularly reviews and updates documentation to reflect changes in the technology infrastructure.
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:
- Maintains a comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plan for the technology infrastructure.
- Tests and validates the effectiveness of the plan through regular drills and exercises.
- Updates the plan as needed to accommodate changes in technology and business requirements.
Future-Proofing and Scalability:
- Consider scalability and future-proofing when designing or upgrading the technology infrastructure.
- Evaluate technologies and solutions that can accommodate growth, changing needs, and emerging trends.
Conduct periodic reviews of the infrastructure to identify areas for enhancement or replacement.