For university information technology departments, a balancing act can be challenging. University computer networks are an essential component of university operations. Yet, they are often large, heterogeneous, open, and used by thousands of individuals whose computing habits and expertise are largely unknown. . . .
For university information technology departments, a balancing act can be challenging. University computer networks are an essential component of university operations. Yet, they are often large, heterogeneous, open, and used by thousands of individuals whose computing habits and expertise are largely unknown.

At Temple University, for example, approximately 16,000 systems--from mainframes and mid-ranges to PCs and laptop devices--connect to a hybrid wired and wireless network. Individual schools and colleges within the university own many of the systems. Students own the remaining connected PCs, laptops, and tablets. Temple University has a diverse user community, ranging from students with no computer experience to professors who teach Computer Science. Consequently, protecting a customer base with such a wide span of expertise poses its own set of challenges from both a technological and an educational perspective.