Campus IT officers whose networks and servers are being pushed to the limit can complain about the resources that are expended on file swapping and virtual classrooms. But the officials might also want to cast their glances on their e-mail accounts: At some institutions, untamed inboxes have gotten out of hand.
Computerworld profiles the University of North Texas, which has found itself scrambling to meet its employees’ ravenous appetite for e-mail. IT officials recently upgraded their e-mail system, and they figured that 3.5 terrabytes of storage capacity would be plenty for about 6,500 inboxes. But the university soon concluded that no less than 15.2 terrabytes would suffice. Since each terrabyte costs about $8,400, that’s a big difference.
An uptick in e-mail attachments — like video files and PowerPoint presentations — seems to be driving the inbox explosion, says Dave Gerlach, North Texas’ computer-systems manager. Mr. Gerlach has gone ahead and purchased some heavy-duty storage systems: He now has 22.5 terrabytes set aside for e-mail. —Brock Read
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