Let’s face it, UGA needs a new Web-based system for students to handle their personal information and course loads. It’s time for Oasis to bow out.

I admit I am biased – I change my computer’s OS every six months when a new version of Ubuntu Linux comes out. So why should anybody listen to me?

Because people in Enterprise Information Technology Services, (EITS), the department responsible for Oasis, think the same thing.

One major problem with Oasis is its software’s incompatibility with newer Internet languages such as the new version of Java script, the computer language Oasis uses for your log-in and main screens. Meaning, if you update your computer, there is a good chance you will see a giant blue bar across your computer screen the next time you try to log in.

OK, if updating your computer is a problem, can’t you just not update your computer?

Well, not updating your computer will eventually cause you to run into problems with other Web sites, and more importantly, it can leave you vulnerable to malicious programs or hackers. Firewalls and anti-virus software can help, but keeping your computer updated is essential to keeping it and all your personal information safe.

“There is a reason Java is updated,” said Rehan Khan, the assistant chief information officer for application development. “For now, though, anyone with a problem should go to the Oasis screen and follow the directions to download an older version of Java.”

Khan stated that some parts of the Oasis mainframe are between 20 and 30 years old – the average technology cycle is less than five years- which makes updating the software extremely difficult.

Another issue is security. When systems are updated, a lot of time and energy goes into fixing flaws that could be exploited by cyber-criminals to steal information or take control of networks.

During the summer, Khan improved Oasis by changing the log-in method away from Social Security numbers to MyID to give students some peace of mind, but it still doesn’t solve the problem.

That is why we need a new system. Khan said EITS recommends the University move on to a modern Web-based system. Many of our peer and aspirational institutions have already moved on to newer technologies.

The argument against such a move is that a replacement may cost millions of dollars, but didn’t UGA just spend millions of dollars on parking decks and the Tate II expansion?

After 20 plus years, I think we’ve got our money’s worth out of the technology behind Oasis. It’s time for UGA to spend some cash and get rid of this clunker.

We should let University President Michael Adams know that easy-to-use technology is vital to students. After all, what’s more important, new parking decks or being able to update personal information safely?

- Jake Carter is a senior from Rome majoring in newspapers