In an ongoing effort to create secure and modern technology environments, VUMC IT has launched a multi-year initiative called ExpeditionTech. Eventually, this initiative will touch every VUMC device, tool, and application, along with all VUMC’s data. Throughout 2021, you can expect to receive VUMC IT support to guide you through these changes, along with regular updates tailored to your specific department or user group. 

GraphPad Prism subscribers have free access to Prism Academy, the new GraphPad Prism Learning Center. Access Prism Academy by upgrading your Prism software to the latest version.  After you update, you will see a Prism Academy button on the welcome screen.  This will take you directly to the courses.

Mathworks, maker of MATLAB, released MATLAB R2021a.  The new release includes updates to MATLAB, Simulink and over 50 additional add-on products. R2021 also includes three new products:

Mathworks, maker of MATLAB, is dropping support for the following platforms: Debian 9: Support ends with R2021a macOS Majave (10.14): Support is scheduled to end as of R2021b Ubuntu 16.04 LTS: Support is scheduled to end as of R2021b Windows 7: Support is scheduled to end as of R2022a Note: Mathworks releases two versions of its products each year. RXXXXa arrives each spring.  RXXXXb arrives each fall.  R stands for release.  XXXX represents the four-digit year.

DigiCert will perform scheduled maintenance on Saturday, April 3rd, from 11 PM through 1 AM.  DigiCert is the certificate authority VUMC IT uses to create the SSL certificates we offer to the enterprise through the VUMC Software Store. During the scheduled outage, the Software Store cannot order, renew or reissue SSL certificates. Please schedule high-priority orders, renewals and reissues outside the maintenance window.

Microsoft will discontinue support for the Edge Legacy browser beginning March 9, 2021. This means that after March 9th, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for Edge Legacy. Microsoft reports that apps and services created to run on Edge Legacy will continue to run in the new Microsoft Edge browser, which will be delivered to devices in an update. Affected versions of Windows: Windows 10 1803 or later Next Steps: Microsoft to begin automatic roll out to devices (Windows 10 1803 or later) via Windows Update to all customers

Statsols, maker of nQuery, is offering free webinar to the research community.  The webinar starts at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 and features:

Quest is offering a free TOAD training event for VUMC: Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Time: 2:00 - 3:30 PM Topic: TOAD for Oracle Tips & Tricks Quest will provide a TOAD functionality overview and latest feature discussion for Oracle developers and database administrators.  Please contact software.store@vumc.org if you wish to attend.

MathWorks, maker of MATLAB, is hosting a free MATLAB webinar for the Vanderbilt community. Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Topic: 21 MATLAB Features You Need Now Venue: Event WebEx Presenter: Loren Shure This fast-paced talk will introduce at least 21 features you can start using today to make your use of MATLAB more efficient, effective, and fun. 

Last year, the CA/Browser Forum announced that, starting September 1, 2020, certificate authorities (CAs) may only issue SSL certificates with a maximum validity period of 397 days. As a result of this change, the Software Store advises customers to renew their certificates no more than 45 days in advance of the certificate's expiration date. This will ensure the customer does not lose time on the certificate by renewing early. See One Year Certs for background information on the change.