SRC:2013 Intern Research Projects

Refactored Relational Database to Support Cable Services Operations

 * Authors: Brian Drouin  - Senior/Computer Information Systems
 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: N/A

Abstract
Kamos, an in-house developed tool, is a searchable “source of truth” for general information commonly needed to perform operational tasks at Comcast. The system contains information about specific towns, “plant operations” support teams, return analyzers, facilities and their managers, network controllers, and dispatch centers. Analysts regard the tool as a quick and easy way of finding information needed to troubleshoot and or escalate appropriately. Due to a major database design flaw, the system consists of a single table. Because of this flaw, updating dynamic information has become extremely difficult. Updating information required edits several times because the same data is being stored in multiple locations. Over time, missed updates have destroyed the integrity of the data and the trust that users once had in the tool. The solution was to design a relational database in which data is stored in one location. Multiple tables were created and were joined by relationships to one another. The data itself was verified before insertion into the database. The application code was rewritten to support the new relational design. The system will reestablish itself as a trusted resource for users and can easily be built upon in the future. My research has afforded me the opportunity to solve a problem while applying skills learned throughout the completion of my degree. Ideally the new system will help users, is continuously built upon, and eventually sparks an interest in the development of new tools within the department. .

Poster


Presentation


Virtualization of Production Environments for Classroom Instruction and Academic Research

 * Authors
 * Tyler Martin - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor: N/A
 * Course: CIS690 - Internship Experience

Abstract
The Computing Technology department is continually expanding every year in students, faculty and resources. With those resources comes the need for someone to manage them. The department has three technology consultants that oversee the daily management of these resources. With all this management comes the issue of some knowing more than others. Also, how virtualization can be used to further the department. With this project, uses of virtualization are explored and documented in a wiki guide.

The department has a main server which is setup for virtualization. Virtual machines run inside this server allowing for the various needs of the department. Over the past year, many different machines have been created for instructional use in a Server Management class as well as students wanting production servers for group projects. Virtualization was also used in instructional labs removing dual boot systems, to have one OS load inside another. With all this use of virtualization comes various processes to achieve these tasks. This information has been documented in a private wiki for current and future consultants to use to aid them in their duties.

Through virtualization, the department was able to expand teaching opportunities to students by giving them an inside look at an IT environment. With the expansion of the wiki guides for consultants, there will be less of a learning curve when new consultants join the team.

Poster


Presentation


Online Presence for RS Fireworks through Interactive Web Design

 * Authors
 * Chad Connors - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor: Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: N/A

Abstract
The goal of this project is to create a new online presence for RS Fireworks. The companies current website is old and outdated. I needed a way to update their online presence as a way to promote the company to current and future clients. As the web has continued to evolve, websites are only part of the solution. The proposed solution will use WordPress as its foundation. The owners need a tool that is user friendly and will allow them to keep their site up to date. While HTML sites can be terrific, they are hard to update chronically if you don’t know the language. Wordpress will allow them to add content to the site more often, keeping it relevant. The site will also have a tight integration with Facebook and YouTube. This will help bolster their online presence in a multifaceted way. The company will now be able to use these tools as a way to help build up their brand.

Poster


Cloud Services Policy Management System

 * Authors
 * Christian Jackson - Senior/Computer Information Systems


 * Project Sponsor: University of New Hampshire
 * Faculty Advisor:Mihaela Sabin
 * Course: N/A

Abstract
This project aims to improve upon the existing branding and policy framework used for IBM's SmartCloud Meetings service. These improvements enable centralized management of multiple cloud services for both direct customers and channel partner resellers.

The existing Meetings branding and policy framework has evolved from a "private label" online documentation system that this author created in 2001. This system manages company logos, stylesheets, customized application terminology, application features and settings and then enforces these settings when a user instantiates Web meetings or browses online user documentation.

Through feedback gathered from customers and internal stake holders, and through personal experience, I have identified numerous system improvements and design changes which improve the system's usefulness and applicability for use with multiple cloud service applications.

The result of this project is a model for implementing a new policy management system which can be integrated across multiple cloud services and expanded upon easily as each application iterates new features and improvements.

Poster


Presentation
