Information and Technology Services at the University of Michigan released updates to campus computing sites for fall 2017. The updates are part of an initiative to make technology more accessible to students on more devices, according to a University press release.
The updates include Sites Windows computer software, which will now be available through AppsAnywhere, a portal similar to the app store that can be accessed via web browsers. AppsAnywhere uses Cloudpaging, the same on-demand service as the College of Engineering’s CAEN Lab Software, which allows students to access computer software from a web browser on different devices, rather than a start menu on just one computer.
The MPrint mobile app also was revamped, now allowing students to use their own mobile devices to wirelessly collaborate with campus technology. The app for iOS and Android devices will work with Follow Me print queue, a new application for campus computers that can save documents for up to 24 hours. Students can release their saved documents to the most convenient campus printing site.
LSA sophomore Caroline Ordway studies computer science and said she looks forward to a faster and more efficient printing process.
“I think (these updates) have the potential to improve the efficiency of the printing process,” she said. “It simplifies the process of needing your computer or having to go onto a University one, especially if you are in an area without access to a campus computer.”
Bob Jones, ITS interim executive director of support services, said his main goal is accessibility.
“With the availability of Follow Me printing, application streaming to personally managed devices, and cloud storage services like Box and Google Drive, we aim to make many of the Sites capabilities available on most devices, anytime, anywhere,” he said.
According to the release, updates for the fall term include Windows 10 operating systems on all campus PCs, access to U-M Box and U-M Google Drive as network drives and new hardware and software updates on more than 2,000 campus computers at almost 100 locations.