NIH Now Offers the Guest Wireless Network
On July 31, 2012, NIH introduced the Guest Wireless Network, making it easier for NIH patients and guests to connect to the Internet using their wireless devices. In the past, NIH guests who needed to access the Internet were required to pre-register up to 30 days in advance of their visit. Their wireless equipment was configured and the guests were issued temporary accounts and passwords for Internet access. NIH guests number in the thousands each year. These guests include patients and their families, conference and workshop attendees, and individuals who serve on advisory committees, boards and review groups. Effective July 31, 2012, guests no longer have to go through pre-registration, configuration, and account initiation to obtain Internet access while visiting NIH. Guests are now able to access the Internet using their wireless devices by simply acknowledging a standard set of terms and conditions. In addition to providing a better experience for our patients and visitors, IC staff do not need to spend time initiating pre-registration. Conservative estimates indicate a savings of approximately $1.4 million annually.
The NIH Guest Network allows wireless Internet-only access. It does not allow access to any NIH internal systems, services or resources. The NIH Guest Network is monitored for operational and security purposes and access to some websites may be blocked. NIH reserves the right to suspend the use of this service without notice. For more information, contact NIH IT Service Desk at 301-496-4357 (6-HELP) (local), 866-319-4357 (toll-free), 301-496-8294 (TTY) or http://itservicedesk.nih.gov.
Electronic Stewardship
NIH has finally reached 100% compliance for power management for desktops and laptops for Electronic Stewardship. This goal took 1.5 years and a tremendous amount of effort and coordination within the ICs. Thank you for your contributions in achieving this important accomplishment. NIH will still need to report monthly statistics to OMB.
Power management is only one Electronic Stewardship goal, and NIH is still working towards meeting its Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) goal of 95% compliance Thanks in advanced for your help with this initiative.