IT@IC Pilot Group - What is it and how do I join?

Welcome to our IT@IC Pilot Group! Whether you're a new member or returning, this guide will help you navigate the group's objectives, your role, and how to make the most of your participation. This group plays a pivotal role in testing and providing feedback on new IT management tools for Windows and macOS, influencing the technological landscape of our college.

Table of Contents:

1. What is the IT Pilot Group?
2. Stage One – IT Department Assessment
3. Stage Two – Faculty and Staff
4. Timeframe for Testing
5. How to Join or Rejoin the Group
6. Key Objectives and Scope of the Pilot
7. Your Role and Responsibilities
8. Using Microsoft Teams for Communication and Feedback
9. Testing Focus Areas: What You Need to Know
10. Providing Feedback: Surveys and Discussions
11. Contact Information for Further Assistance

1. What is the IT@IC Pilot Group?
   The IT@IC Pilot Group Initiative at our college is now structured into a multi-tiered testing process, comprising two stages of testing, to ensure thorough evaluation and implementation of new IT management tools for Windows and macOS. We focus on enhancing functionality, user experience, compatibility, and security across Windows and macOS platforms on campus.
    
2. Stage One – IT Department Assessment
   The initial testing phase involves the IT department, serving as the primary pilot group. This stage is crucial for initial assessments and ironing out any fundamental issues. Each project in this stage will be accompanied by a defined timeframe, varying from one week to several months, depending on the complexity and impact of the change. This period allows for in-depth testing and feedback collection.
    
3. Stage Two – Faculty and Staff
   Upon successful testing and modifications in the first stage, the project moves to the second stage involving Faculty and Staff. This broader group helps us understand the user experience and system performance in a more diverse environment. Similar to the first stage, each project in this phase will have a predetermined timeframe, ensuring structured testing and feedback.
    
4. Timeframe for Testing
   Each project deployed in the pilot groups will be assigned a specific timeframe for testing. This approach allows us to monitor the progress methodically and make timely decisions based on the results gathered. The timeframe will be communicated at the start of each testing phase to set clear expectations and goals.
    
5.  How to Join or Rejoin the Group
   If you're new or looking to rejoin, simply fill out the sign-up form here. 
    
6. Key Objectives and Scope of the Pilot
   Our pilot group aims to:
   1. Test new IT management features.
   2. Evaluate user experience, functionality, compatibility, and security.
   3. Provide structured feedback to inform campus-wide IT decisions.
    
7. Your Role and Responsibilities
   As a member, you are expected to:
   - Actively use the features being tested.
   - Report any issues or challenges.
   - Participate in surveys and discussions to provide feedback.
    
8. Using Microsoft Teams for Communication and Feedback
   Microsoft Teams is our primary platform for all communications, updates, and discussions. Please ensure you are familiar with its basic functionalities. Here’s a quick guide.
    
9. Testing Focus Areas: What You Need to Know
   We're currently putting together new projects for the first stage - IT assessment starting with:
   
   - Driver update/deployment through Intune (Windows). - Learn about Windows Driver updates policy for Windows 10 Windows 11 devices in Intune | Microsoft Learn
   - Windows Hello - Windows Hello for Business settings in Microsoft Intune | Microsoft Learn
   
   Stay tuned in Microsoft Teams (IT@IC Pilot-group) for specific instructions and updates on these areas.
    
10. Providing Feedback: Surveys and Discussions
    Feedback is crucial. Regular surveys will be conducted, and we encourage active participation in discussions during our monthly meetings.
     
11. Contact Information for Further Assistance
    For more assistance, please contact:
    Chris Ivy
    civy@ithaca.edu

Your contribution to the IT@IC Pilot Group is invaluable. Together, we can ensure that our college’s IT infrastructure is robust, user-friendly, and secure. Thank you for being a part of this important initiative!