University of Tasmania, Australia

Why have a review of web services?

Efficient and effective web services are now considered a critical service delivery platform for all higher education institutions and most businesses. In recognition of the importance of web services as a current and future service delivery platform that underpins the University’s aspirations through the then 2008 - 2010 University Plan (EDGE2) (PDF 90KB), UTAS’ Senior Management Team (SMT) commissioned a review of web services.

Stage 1 commenced in November 2007 with the scoping and preparation of a preliminary report that would analyse the current state of web-based services at UTAS, the general web developments impacting on the University, and immediate priorities for action.

Stage 2 commenced in March 2008 with the development of a Web Services Strategic Action Plan to identify the immediate priorities and resources required for 2008-2009, and provide an understanding of the likely direction for further development over the medium-term.

The Web Services Strategic Action Plan and an associated Business Case were endorsed by Planning and Resources Committee in July 2008, with a recommendation that appropriate resources were allocated to ensure full and timely implementation.

In August 2008, UTAS appointed a Manager, University Web Services to work with the WSSC to ensure the successful implementation of the recommendations, strategies and initiatives outlined in the plan. In July 2010 Web Services amalgamated with staff responsible for the learning management system and lecture recording to become Web & Learning Services under one manager.

In 2011 a Web Services Transitional Plan was approved by the Web Services Steering Committee (WSSC) and subsequently funded to allow the work of the review to be continued to the end of 2012. The Web Services Strategic Plan 2011-2013 was also developed. While this has been endorsed by the WSSC, funding is yet to be approved.

Review documents

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• Web Services Review Business Case (July 2008) (PDF 1.9MB)
• Web Services Review Strategic Action Plan (June 2008) (PDF 189KB)
• Recommendations Paper to PRC (February 2008) (PDF 40KB)
• Web Services Steering Committee ToR (February 2008) (PDF 30KB)
• Web Services Review Preliminary Report (January 2008) (PDF 482KB)
• Web Services Review ToR (PDF 27KB)