Continuing its efforts to bring the easiest Web access to the campus community, University Computing Services (UCS) and University Communications have introduced Mobile BSU to give campus Web users accessibility to e-mail and other services via cell phone or PDA.  

The new service offers access to parts of the Ball State Web and University Libraries as well as Webmail.

Nancy Prater, University Communications Web content coordinator, said the site is mostly text-based, allowing for easy viewing on the small screens of handheld devices. And while the site is limited at the moment, there are plans to expand what is available in the future.

"Eventually we hope users can access all of the Ball State Web site on their mobile devices," she said.

The project was started a year ago with a focus on providing on-the-go access to Webmail, Mapquest and other services to those with PDAs and SmartPhones, said Deb Howell, UCS senior systems security communications manager. Since that time, cell phone technology has leaped ahead offering many features, including high-speed Web access capabilities, to virtually everyone with a cell phone.

Prater noted that user feedback is important in determining how the project will proceed.

"One of the things we don't know is what people really want to use, so if we can find out, it will help us prioritize development," she said.

To help determine user needs, an online survey is available at www.bsu.edu/uc/faculty.

Howell said new features to be added to the mobile Web, such as the capability to work with Blackboard and Gradebook, will change the way people work on campus.

"You won't have to carry around a laptop," she said. "You can just do those things from your cell phone. It will be a great way to take advantage of the technology we have here as the nation's leading wireless campus."

To access Mobile BSU, type in mobile.bsu.edu into your Web-enabled cell phone or PDA.

For more information on Mobile BSU, contact Prater at 285-3220 or nprater@bsu.edu.