Published on March 17, 2008

Information Technology Services (ITS) would like to invite members of the Penn State community to participate in testing the new technology that will fully support Penn State Access Account Storage Space (PASS), as of summer 2008. The new file system will be deployed the first weekend in July, and all data for every customer currently using PASS space will be moved over to the new system in preparation for the fall 2008 semester. Once all of the data is moved, access to the former PASS systems will no longer exist. Therefore, ITS is strongly encouraging all of its current PASS users to enroll in the open beta testing period before the mandatory move takes place.

The new file system is considerably faster and more stable than its predecessor. While users will still be able to enjoy the long-standing benefits and services PASS provides (including Personal Web space and blogging capabilities, file storage, secure file transfer, departmental, course, and student organizations' space, and a variety of PASS management tools), there will be some fundamental changes that need to occur with these services and tools, in order for them to perform and function properly. Participation in the open beta test will provide PASS users with the opportunity to provide feedback and the time to become familiar with the new changes, therefore helping ITS staff to ensure a smooth transition during the July migration.

The open beta testing period begins on March 17 and will continue until the first weekend in July. To enroll in the PASS open beta test, please visit https://secureappsbeta.pass.psu.edu/secureapps/signup/. Links to instructions and other pertinent information are available on the enrollment form page. Requests for assistance should be directed to ITS Help Desk Staff at helpdesk@psu.edu.

For more information, please contact Karen M. Hackett (kmh@psu.edu).

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