As this is one of the most important IT units in any IT related center, this unit will be provided by a qualified team who will design and implement different software packages and applications for the university and the private sector.

Web Development:

To develop Web based applications and Internet based e-services. Accordingly, all the center management activities will be web based. Also Web site design for the university and outside can be utilized at this sub unit. Full cooperation with the software analysis and development unit will be crucial since most of today's systems will have a web based interface. Other web based services for job counseling and business links can be designed in cooperation with this sub unit.

Data Networks and Technical Support:

To operate and maintain the data network and the Wide Area Network in the center. This includes maintaining the mail server, the web server, application server, database server and file server. Full cooperation with PPU computer center will be established to maximize the efficiency of the computer center and the FFKITCE center in this aspect.

FFKITCE network is connected to Internet through a digital leased connection. The management and control of all these resources is accomplished through a server room with three servers. This subunit manages and maintains more than 120 computers distributed over four labs and more than 30 offices and cells. These computers are connected through a high speed 10/100 Mbps Local Area Network (LAN). All Labs are facilitated with data-show display systems. A seminar room will be also equipped with a video conferencing facility.

E-learning development

The process of e-learning is a series of operations that involve humans, computers, the Internet, and instructional material, and that produces the outputs to learners and the organization. The e-learning process should be evaluated as the activities, which create value, add various inputs to attain the aimed learning.

The e-learning process consists of the following inputs:

•  Information.

•  Technical equipment.

•  Preparatory team.

•  Teaching specialist(s).

•  Demand for learning.

Those are subject to various operations at certain times. The outputs are the product or service, information or experience that appears at the end of the operations.

FFKITCE will make most of these inputs available in order conduct e-learning projects for the university courses, schools and other training oriented packages.

A highly professional technical team will be available in order to help a team of educators to develop different courses.

The virtual hub

Because e-learning is open to continuous interaction, it requires a marketing process that many training practitioners have not yet incorporated into their career skills set. The process considers the needs and requirements of the organization and the learners, in such terms as customer orientation and training purchases. Trainers have to "market" to executives the need and value of investing in often costly e-learning solutions (or demonstrate the cost-savings), as well as market to learners what may be to them a new way of learning.