Information Systems & Technology (IST) is investigating the possibility of moving staff, faculty, graduate and post-doctoral student email to Microsoft Office 365 (O365); and if it proves feasible, after consultation and feedback from the University of Waterloo community, to develop a recommendation for approval to proceed and an implementation plan.
Benefits of Office 365 email
Modernizing email services
Moving employee email to Microsoft Office 365 would reduce costs to the University, while offering equal or improved service, including:
- Larger email quotas
- New opportunities for employees to interact with students
- Streamlined client support structure and services
Cloud computing at Waterloo
You might be asking, "what is cloud computing, anyway?" And, "how does it impact my email?" Cloud computing is a model for providing anytime, on-demand access to information and communication technology resources. Rather than investing in traditional physical computing infrastructure, cloud computing networks provide access to services and resources hosted elsewhere. The term itself describes a range of technology components including servers, storage devices, networking components, and specialized cloud software.
Advantages of cloud computing
Cloud computing offers many advantages, including:
- The potential to use services and applications faster than traditional computing, reducing run and response times
- Added functionality and flexibility
- Improvements to operational efficiency and cost reductions (e.g. administrative and equipment costs)
- Enhanced security
Other examples of cloud computing at Waterloo
Workday, a cloud-based human resource management system (HRMS), replaced the University's previous HRMS system in January 2019.
Unit4, a cloud-based financial management system, replaced the University's core financial and reporting systems in May 2017.
D2L's Brightspace is the central learning management system (LMS) software for online learning and teaching at Waterloo and was implemented in Fall 2011.
Follow the project and let us know what you think
You are encouraged to visit the website often for updates, explore resources related to this initiative, and most importantly, provide input on this potential change. Note, campus consultations will be scheduled, and details shared once confirmed.
