October 15, 2012
The University has selected Microsoft Office 365 as its new integrated email and calendaring system replacing MEMO email system and Oracle Calendar.
Mason is partnering with B2B Technologies of Atlanta, Georgia, to assist in the deployment and migration process. B2B Technologies was selected through the RFP process after a year-long requirements development phase.
The new system, hosted in the cloud by Microsoft, has been adopted by numerous colleges and universities throughout the country. Microsoft Office 365 is an enhancement of Microsoft Live@edu, which is the system currently used by Mason students. Eventually, Mason students will also be migrated to the new Microsoft Office 365. Having all faculty, staff, and students on a single messaging platform is highly desirable and will enhance collaboration opportunities.
The benefits to the university by deploying this system include larger mailbox quotas (25 GB), integrated email and calendar, enhanced mobile device support, delegated e-discovery, legal holds and email archiving. Archiving will allow Mason to retain email records in accordance with policies established by the Virginia Public Records Act and the Library of Virginia.
Additional information will be released as soon as the information becomes available.
For more information, contact David Robinson, drobinsd@gmu.edu, Technology Systems Division, Information Technology Unit.