The times they are a-changin’.
This post seems to be older than 18 years—a long time on the internet. It might be outdated.
We were up until about 2am working on the Oredigger. It was pretty cool. I completed 3 pages, which was 1/4 of this issues pages. I also found out that as News Editor, I get paid! How cool is that? Depending on how well we do, I could get over $500! That’s soo much money! Awesome. Anyways, as always, here’s my article. It’s sort of an unofficial part 2 to my last article. My next one should be on the new Wellness Center.
User security will not be an issue in CSM�s new Blackboard Bb Transaction System (BTS). George Funkey, Manager of Information Services at CSM, made it very clear that Mines is very careful with user data. Colorado School of Mines will be ensuring the security of user data with BTS by using the Windows version, rather then the UNIX version. One of the key differences is the use of encrypted TCP/IP data in the Windows version versus the less secure use of the RS-485 protocol in the UNIX version of BTS. All transaction systems will be encrypted and isolated from the rest of the Mines network. The few non-transaction/non-encrypted systems that do exist will be even further isolated and will certainly be carefully guarded.
Unfortunately, all the services planned for BTS will not be immediately available. Instead, various sections of the system will be successively rolled out as each feature is implemented and tested. Funkey was still able expanded on the way BTS will function when it is eventually all completed.
Each user will be issued a new ID card that contains a barcode, magstripe, and a proximity chip. Users previously assigned CWID number will also be imprinted on the card. To meet ADA requirements, at least one entrance at each building will have a proximity card reader to allow authorized users access after hours. However, most other buildings will use less-expensive magstripe readers to authenticate users at entrances.
The magstripe on the card will also be used to pay for items and services at vending machines, campus laundry mats, the campus bookstore, the C3 store at Mines Park, and several copy machines in the library. The funds will be subtracted from users account just like a debit card. However, unlike a debit card, users will only be able to add money to the card. Only when a user ends their tenor at Mines will they be allowed a one-time withdrawal.
Users will also be able to logon to a secure website and few their transaction history and even add funds to the card from a credit or checking account. Future plans are in the works to expand the usability of the ID card to the Downtown Golden area where users could use the card to pay for items at authorized establishments.
Funkey also indicated that the original mid-November rollout date will likely not be met due to lack of response in a search for a Card Manager. Funkey is hopeful that the card will be rolled out by the second semester, but offered no guarantees, saying, �we’re not going to put it together wrong. And if it takes a few more months, well then, it takes a few more months�but it will make life a lot more convenient for everyone�it handles money, it handles access, it handles a lot of secure things.”
0