Blackboard 6.2 Implementation Delayed to Fall 2005

Subject: Update: February 28, 2005

Blackboard 6.2 Implementation Delayed to Fall 2005

It is with regret that I have to announce that we will not be able to upgrade our Blackboard services to version 6.2 until fall 2005. Originally scheduled for the summer, this upgrade will not happen as scheduled due to equipment delays. Specifically, the Blackboard 6.2 front end production servers were to be available to Blackboard administrators and faculty on March 1, 2005. We are experiencing delays in the arrival of the necessary IBM servers. There were no errors in ordering the necessary equipment and it was ordered well in advance of the anticipated delivery date. We are working with IBM to get a firm date and will communicate developments. One point is that we could have ordered and taken delivery of older equipment that would have sufficed for the short term, however, my judgment is that it is much more prudent to take delivery of the most current equipment possible to extend the life and lower the total cost of ownership over the lifespan of the equipment.

Other components of the Blackboard upgrade process are proceeding well. We were able to put in place a comprehensive week-long training for college Blackboard administrators and organize extensive faculty training at the New Horizons Conference in April. These sessions will continue as scheduled in preparation for the fall upgrade. One other change relayed in an overview to college presidents at the ACOP meeting earlier this month is that because of licensing restrictions, we cannot do a phased implementation and maintain two production servers concurrently without adding dramatically to our costs. The simultaneous upgrade of all colleges will avoid these problems and in that sense, the equipment delay we have experienced may prove to be a blessing.

While we are disappointed by this delay, we will use the extra time and resources to provide colleges with an even better installation of Blackboard than previously planned. When we deploy Blackboard 6, it will include new user tools developed by ITS staff member Matt Lawson to simplify administration and creation of courses on Blackboard. We will continue working with the Academic Services and Research Office to fully implement the Blackboard Content Management System in the spring of 2006. We also plan to develop a process for the evaluation and implementation of Building Blocks to add enhanced Blackboard features and functionality through various add-ons.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Regarding the Blackboard upgrade scheduling, staff will be in touch with all stakeholders and continue the discussion to coordinate this important activity. If you have any questions or concerns on either the PeopleSoft or Blackboard issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Neil

H. Neil Matkin
Vice Chancellor, Information Technology Services
Virginia Community College System
101 N. 14th Street
Richmond, VA 23219