Alabama A&M to Get Intranet Portal
NORMAL, Ala. — Officials at Alabama A&M University here have signed an agreement with intranet service developer Mascot Network, Inc. for the development of a campus intranet portal.
Mascot Network, based in Cambridge, Mass., is a leading developer of campus intranet portals, which provide Web-based information tools such as directories, schedules, chat rooms, search engines, e-mail access and other information accessible at a single Web site.
A typical campus intranet portal provides its users with a gateway to Web-enabled campus information, discounted e-commerce and distance learning. With a personalized start page and online student directory, a campus portal functions for students as an online community and a virtual student center, where students, faculty and administration can meet, coordinate and collaborate.
“Alabama A&M University expects Mascot Network to be a great benefit to our students,” says O.T. Smith, coordinator of student information systems. “We anticipate a significant increase in student participation and involvement in activities and organizations. This will enhance the University’s ability to recruit, retain and educate its students as well as continue its role as a leader among historically Black colleges and universities.”
Mike Pergola, technical marketing director at the Mascot Network, says that in addition to building a campus intranet portal for Alabama A&M, the company expects to hire student interns to help service the contract it holds with the school.
Mascot Network, founded in 1998 by Harvard business school graduates, provides the internships and training as part of its client outreach efforts, according to company officials. Pergola says his company charges campuses between $5,000 and $20,000 annually for maintaining a basic campus intranet portal.
“Mascot Network will help historically Black colleges and universities to provide a more dynamic online experience for their students,” says president and co-founder Jaja Jackson.
“Additionally, Mascot Network provides training and student internships at our partner schools, offering students an opportunity to gain valuable business and Internet experience, an important advantage in the current job market,” says Jackson. “We are excited to help the leading HBCUs like Alabama A&M provide even richer experiences for their students every year. “
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