Information Technology and Communication is currently piloting The Hive, a new program that allows University students and faculty members to freely access licensed software - once exclusive to on-Grounds computing labs - on their personal computers.
The program allows users to upload a window identical to that of on-Grounds computer desktop. From there, students can access whichever programs they need from their personal computers without buying personal software licenses or worrying about security.
"We can take care of all the dirty work that comes along with running it," said Michael McPherson, ITC associate vice president and deputy chief information officer. "All you have to do is use it."
The Hive offers 35 programs, including the Aspen Engineering Suite Series, Mathematica 7 (Wolfram), Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and Microsoft Office Professional 2007. About 350 students now use the program, which is in the second phase of testing, said Lauren McSwain-Starrett, public relations and marketing specialist for ITC.
The Hive first was introduced last semester with a limited number of software to three courses in the Engineering School, McPherson said. This semester, ITC widened the program's software offerings and availability to interested students.
Though ITC offered second invitations to students who were previously registered for the program, only a few responded. Many new members, however, are registering this semester.
"It's pretty much just spread from word of mouth. We really want to start promoting it the whole student body," she said, adding that ITC opened the program to everyone Monday.
Student users seem to be generally satisfied with the program.
Third-year College student Logan McClellan, who had never heard of the Hive before his political psychology class this semester, said the program is an under-used resource that adds a lot to his learning experience.
"Without [that technology], we wouldn't be able to really examine the surveys and political studies on the level that we'd like to," he said.
In addition to finding the Hive useful, McClellan's classmate, third-year College student Will Bane, has been in contact with a responsive support team. He also believes the program will have positive repercussions "for classes with very specific software needs."
But in the beginning stages of its launch, the Hive will have to overcome limitations, including operational and licensing issues.
"We're doing our best to keep it up and running," McPherson said. "We're calling it a pilot because we can't promise that it will be available all the time."
Glitches aside, when the Hive runs problem-free, there is a limit to how many students can use certain programs at the same time because of limited licenses, McPherson said.
"We have a small class so it works pretty well," third-year College student Kiara Williams said. "If our class was any bigger, we'd have an issue with everyone trying to sign on at the same time."
If there is a demand for more licenses, ITC will buy them, McPherson said.
The Hive is a part of a number of initiatives from ITC to "create a very rich, both real world and online space, for people to collaborate together," McPherson said.
Read More
U.Va. researchers identify that HIV drugs can protect against Alzheimer’s disease
By Lauren Seeliger | YesterdayDoctor Jayakrishna Ambati and his research team have begun work on a new drug called K9 which could treat and prevent Alzheimer’s.
Graduating students share their future plans as they enter the job market
By Nina Broderick | 2 days agoMany students find the Career Center to be a valuable tool during the job search and application process.
U.Va.’s Finals Weekend spotlights the achievement and service of the Class of 2025
By Leigh Bailey | 4 days agoIn University President Jim Ryan’s welcome address, he acknowledged the support of family members and friends present in the audience and beyond that played supportive roles in these graduates’ lives.
