Supported by a medical center contract with Superior Consultants and in collaboration with the university's information systems group, communications with other departments in the medical center, other users on the campus, and all points on the Internet are provided via high-speed Ethernet twisted pair and FDDI hubs, as well as through a T1 circuit to remote areas. The file servers provide services through a Novell Netware 4.1 operating system, giving users fast, reliable and secure access to their research data. Users on Macintosh, IBM compatible and UNIX systems can access files, applications and print services.
Data integrity is maintained by a tape backup system that performs daily tape backups.
Currently, there are more than 700 active user accounts on the network, giving the users access to electronic mail, word processing, spreadsheets, statistical analysis, databases and graphics programs. Computer and software-related purchasing assistance, as well as servers and software, are provided to enhance research endeavors and allow scientists to make extensive use of the data they gather. Data can be stored with Paradox or Microsoft Access databases, while applications such as Reference Manager and Full Medline are available to investigators to assist with publication requirements. This shared resource provides a secure environment where investigators can analyze, store and prepare presentations on their data, and one which allows them to share their findings with the scientific community within Lombardi and beyond. Dedicated programming staff is also available to all researchers who may need databases created specifically for their individual research needs.