Introduction

This program opportunity was created through the collaboration of ideas between Varay, Godwin Udo, Chair of the IDS Department – UTEP, and Amit Ghosh, Professor in the IDS Department – UTEP. The objective of the Technology Experience is to give students in the Computer Information Systems (CIS) Program at UTEP the opportunity to experience “real-world” projects that utilize cutting-edge technology platforms. In addition, we will be adding value to the CIS, and CS curriculum at UTEP by exposing students to technologies, work environments, and other experiences that may not otherwise be available. This opportunity for UTEP students and the departments will be created while also satisfying the project needs of Varay Systems, its clients and constituents, creating a true “win – win” situation for everyone involved!

Program Description

The Technology Experience will be made available to undergraduate students in the CIS and CS programs. There will be a selection process to be completed by a Selection Committee composed of individuals from both Varay Systems and UTEP. Students may submit the required documentation listed below to be considered for selection to the Technology Experience.

Upon review of the documentation and a brief interview, the Selection Committee will select the team of students to participate in the Technology Experience for a given semester. Once selection is complete and all candidates have accepted, a meeting will be held at the Varay System offices where introductions to all team members and the project details will be made, as well as other agenda items.

Upon appointment to the Technology Experience Team and completion of all program obligations defined below, each team member will receive the following:

• Experience with cutting-edge technology used to solve ‘real-world’ issues
• Project Team experience and involvement
• Temporary office space in the Varay Systems facility
• 3 credit hours toward the CIS or CS Undergraduate degree at UTEP
• Varay Systems will pay UTEP the equivalent of a 3 credit hours for tuition and “per credit hour fees” on behalf of each team member
• Public recognition via press release(s) to local news media and UTEP media
• Eligible for a letter of recognition and recommendation from your project leader
• Eligible for any open positions with Varay Systems
• Eligible for nomination as Project Leader for the next semester’s Technology Experience Team and a full semester scholarship

Throughout the life of the project each team member will be evaluated for consideration to become a Project Leader in the next semester’s project. These Project Leaders will manage the project and lead the team throughout the next semester’s project, gaining valuable project and staff management experience in addition to the following:

• All benefits listed above, except for tuition and fees payment or the equivalent of 3 credit hours
• Scholarship for full tuition and books for that semester, up to $2,000.00.
• Individual public recognition via press release to local news media and UTEP media
• Name posted in the UTEP College of Business (location to be determined)

Program Requirements

The following are requirements of each team member participating in the Technology Experience. Please note that these are minimum requirements to successfully complete the program.

• Meet or exceed the course pre-requisites as defined by the project leader or the supervising professor at UTEP.
• Attend all team meetings and scheduled work time as scheduled by the team leader (approx total of 80 hours per semester). Schedule creation will be flexible, but should be adhered to once established.
• Complete all assignments and project responsibilities as assigned by the team leader or supervising professor at UTEP.

Each team member must be fully-engaged, committed and excited about the project, technology used and challenge at hand. If you are not, please do not apply.

Application Requirements

Each student who wishes to be considered for acceptance to the Technology Experience must submit the following documentation / information:

1. Résumé, including Cumulative and Business/Major GPA
2. Listing of upper level courses completed at time of application
3. Listing of courses to be taken in the same semester as the Technology Experience
4. Three (3) References – at least one past UTEP professor
5. One (1) page essay describing yourself, your definition of “Cutting-Edge Technology”, and how you plan to have a positive impact on the project.

Technology Platforms

At Varay we are proud to be recognized as a leader in technology within and outside of our industry. We utilize top quality, “cutting-edge” technology in all areas, including Application Development, Network Architecture & Support and more. Below is a list of some of the platforms utilized by Varay Systems that you would likely be exposed to or work with.

Web-based, database driven applications

• Microsoft.Net Infrastructure
• ASP.Net, VB.NET
• HTML, DHTML, XHTML, Flash
• Web Services (including XML, SOAP, etc.)
• Microsoft SQL Server 2000
• Java, JavaScript, Visual Basic, VB Script
• ZML™ (a proprietary development tool similar to PHP)

Network Technologies

• Wireless technologies, including CDMA and 802.11b /g Wireless Ethernet
• VOIP (voice over internet protocol) telephony
• Cisco Systems network infrastructure equipment (Wireless and Wired)
• Microsoft Windows 2000/ 2003 Server and complete Backoffice Suite
• Active Directory, Group Policy, Roaming Profiles
• DHCP, DNS, & WINS Services
• Microsoft Exchange 2000 /2003 Server
• Patch Management Solutions - Microsoft SMS and SUS
• Network Monitoring Solution
• RedHat Linux Operating System

Hardware

• Dell Workstations and Servers
• Compaq Ipaq, Palm OS devices, including integrated mobile phone devices
• Tablet PCs
• Wireless solutions from Cisco Systems, 3Com, Microsoft and Verizon Wireless
• The list goes on and on…

Contact Information

915.496.8454 Direct
915.496.8550 Fax
hr@varay.com
415 E. Yandell Drive, El Paso, TX 79902
www.varay.com

College of Business
500 W. University
El Paso, TX 79968
www.utep.edu