New Web site monitors system availability

As part of an effort to improve communication about system availability, e-operations has launched the first version of a new Web site that will allow the AU community to view real-time system status information on servers and network connections. Virus alerts from Symantec, and metrics on e-mail, Internet connection utilization, and Help Desk requests are also viewable. The Web site complements the existing telephone Systems Status line at 885-3535.

The site can be reached directly at status .american.edu. It can also be reached from links at my.american.edu and help.american .edu. System availability is shown for e-mail servers, file and print sharing, Eaglenet network connections, and critical Web-based services. Special software monitors the availability of these items and updates the site as soon as something appears to be unavailable. Additional information may be posted manually once an estimated time of repair has been determined. The site also includes historical data that will allow the AU community to view previous service interruptions and their resolutions.

The metrics section shows performance metrics for the university Internet connection and e-mail usage. The Internet usage graph shows inbound and outbound bandwidth usage in bytes per second. The e-mail usage graph shows the number of messages sent and received by university e-mail servers per minute. Both graphs show information for the past 33 hours. The Help Desk statistics show the number of requests currently open, as well as the number of requests closed in the last 24 hours.

If you are not able to access a service, and the site does not report that service as unavailable, please contact the Help Desk at 885-2550. If the Help Desk is closed, you will be able to report the problem to the System Status Line by choosing option 1 on the Help Desk phone menu. The System Status Line voice mail is monitored 24 hours a day. Please let us know if you are aware of others who are experiencing the same problem. If others are not experiencing the same problem, there are factors that can affect an individual computer’s ability to connect with a service. The Help Desk Web site includes information that can help you troubleshoot basic connection problems with e-mail, network drives, and the Internet if our Help Desk is closed.

As in the past, efforts to communicate prolonged unexpected service interruptions will be delivered through campuswide voice mail and e-mail. Scheduled interruptions will be posted on the System Status page and communicated through the Today@AU daily e-mail announcements.

e-operations and e-administration understand the importance of system availability and are constantly working to improve the reliability and performance of all technology services. The increasing reliance on technology, and the recent challenges from viruses and denial of service attacks, underscore the need for improved communication regarding system availability.

Your feedback is appreciated and a feedback form is available on the system status page. Please send your comments and suggestions. If you have any questions or problems accessing systems, please contact the Help Desk at 885-2550 or at helpdesk@american.edu.