1. Lab Usage Data Impact Approach Problem
Funding for computer labs and new technology is based in part on the usage of such resources. The old fashioned counting of heads or even entrance and exit counters is not even close to an exact process in a busy and dynamic environment.
The number of people, while and important aspect of lab usage, is only one data point that much be considered in the allocation of the limited resources of an institution.
Approach
Using socket programming and the client/server approach a system will be created in which the client workstation runs a process that collects usage data that is passed to the server and stored in a database.
Usage data will be custom configurable from the set of data that the system is able to collect.
Impact
Resource usage data can now be collected and analyzed to provide feedback and to request new funding for software and equipment.
The data collected on usage will enable those not familiar with the day to day workings of the institution to get a clear picture of the current environment.