University Computer Management Service FAQ

 

What are the advantages of The University Computer Management Service (UCMS)?

  • Provides users with optimized application delivery to each of their devices based on device type and network capabilities.
  • Unifies IT management infrastructure
  • Simplifies administration
  • Simple and secure remote support capabilities (users prompted to allow access to a technician for windows remote support)

How much resources and time are required to install the UCMS client to my department's computers?
There are no resources or time required on the clients end. The UCMS client is installed automatically through the server.

How does remote access work?
When working with the UCMS service for remote desktop, the technician simply searches for the name of the client machine from the database and starts the remote support session. In all cases, in order for the technician to be able to make a connection for remote support, the client side must first grant their approval. This is done by clicking "approve" on the pop up, which will be seen once the technician initiates a connection.

What is EAD?
EAD is short for Enterprise Active Directory. It is a centralized authentication and authorization mechanism for Microsoft client resources and University-wide services. For more information on this service, please see our Enterprise Active Directory service page.

How secure is remote access?
Remote access in UCMS is set up so that the technician cannot connect unless the user approves access. This means that no unattended remote sessions can be started.

What will the technician see when they've been granted remote access to my computer?
When a technician connects remotely to a client machine, they will see the exact same things that the client sees on their screen.

Will I need to grant remote access for updates and installations that are applied to my workstation?
No. Systems will be configured so that updates will be installed automatically, as long as updates have been approved and will not cause failures once deployed.

How will desktop maintenance such as software updates and installations by UCMS affect my day-to-day operations and work?
Updates and software installations should not impact clients' day-to-day operations. The system is set up is so that updates are installed during maintenance windows, which happen during times that the client will not be using the machine.

What sort of technical issues would be best managed by the UCMS service rather than 7-Help?
UCMS service acts as a management agent. It is in place for software updates, operating system deployment, remote support, software/hardware inventory and package/application deployment. This will not necessarily be used for resolving technical issues, but to reduce the requirement for clients to open a ticket for installing software.

How do I inform UBC IT that I have a technical issue?