Technology Tools and Resources

Tools

Computers and Equipment

• Most employees are issued an Emory laptop or computer. Depending on your role, you may receive additional tech equipment.

• Division/school approval is needed if you want to take home Emory owned equipment such as monitors, keyboards, docking stations, etc. All equipment taken home from Emory offices is required to be tracked by the division/school.

Internet Connection and Speed

• A bandwidth test of higher than 2mbps is normally required to support most of Emory’s video technology such as Zoom or Skype for Business (inside of Microsoft Teams).

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

• Have you set up and tested personal access with Emory’s VPN to enable you to connect to the Emory Network and access your files? If you have not done so, contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to make this request. Be sure to test VPN access prior to telecommuting to confirm that you are able to successfully log in and access the network.
• Some faculty and staff may utilize Microsoft One Drive or SharePoint, and, in these cases, VPN connection may not be necessary. If you are uncertain about this, please contact OIT for clarification.

Phones

Phone technology continues to evolve and you need to make sure you are using the most efficient tools in order to communicate effectively and provide a seamless customer service experience.

If you telecommute on a regular basis or work remotely, be sure to connect with OIT to ensure you are using the telecommunications modes that will enable you to work most effectively. The ability to reach you during the workday should be no different whether you are working on campus or off. Phone forwarding options may differ depending on division policies, phone set up and job requirements, or phone operating systems.

• Employees who have an Emory-assigned phone number can make and receive calls from a remote location on their PC, MAC, Apple, or Android device via an Avaya IX Workplace Softphone Client (formerly Equinox / Avaya Communicator). This feature allows users to control their desk phone from their preferred device via a mobile app. For most users, the IP Softphone feature is the recommended and preferred method of remote phone access. It also eliminates the concern of sharing the user’s personal home phone or cell number via caller ID as the user’s Emory-assigned, campus phone extension is what is shared with callers. To obtain this service, submit a request through the IT Shopping Cart (VPN connection required). The item is listed under "Phone-Other, IX Workplace Softphone."
• Additional call forwarding and “extension to cellular” services are available to those that need them. Information related to phones can be found here: IT Voice Service Catalog. Assistance with remote call setup should be directed to the OIT Service Desk at 7-7777.

Collaboration and Video Conferencing

• Zoom, a platform for collaboration and videoconferencing, uses Cloud computing software for videoconferencing, online meetings, chat function and mobile collaboration.
• Microsoft Teams, a software platform included in Office 365 combines workplace chat, video meetings, file storage and file collaboration, and applications integration.
• Training Resources are available for these technologies.

Storage

• Microsoft One Drive, a cloud-hosted management platform that allows secure file-sharing between and among users wherever they may be. It is a part of Microsoft Office 365 - Teams. Permissions can be given to enable specific teams or individual access.
• Training is available for these technologies.
  

If You Need Help

If you need assistance, contact your local IT Resource or the OIT Helpdesk for support.

Please follow your local department's standard practice for reporting IT issues. The most effective way to report an issue with a service provided by OIT is to enter a help ticket at Emory's help desk or by phone at 404-727-7777.

Emory’s IT Service Catalog provides a list of all technology offerings supported by Emory and how to access them.