2026 UEN Tech Summit

In this presentation, we'll go over the current tools for viewing our statewide, 400G backbone network. This covers Weathermap (including the timeline feature and custom map generation), Telly (district dashboards, device details, and network performance monitoring panels), and if available our new Looking Glass interface.

This presentation, “The Software Lifecycle Whisperer,” delves into the Marriott Library at the University of Utah’s innovative approach to transforming macOS software deployment and maintenance. The session begins with an overview of the library’s complex technology environment, which supports thousands of Macs, Windows devices, and iPads. It addresses the operational challenges posed by COVID-19, such as the rapid scaling of student-checkout devices, increased software demands, remote support needs, and the limitations of traditional packaging workflows. Previously, the library’s team relied on manual packaging, repackaging of Mac App Store and commercial apps, patch management, API automation using python-jamf and jctl, and custom scripts to ensure consistent software management across platforms. These methods, although effective, often created bottlenecks, especially with non-standard installers, licensing requirements, and time-sensitive updates. A detailed “repackage decision flow” is presented to illustrate when custom packaging is necessary versus when automation can be used. The presentation’s core focus is on Installomator, an open-source, label-driven installer engine that streamlines the process of downloading, verifying, and installing macOS applications directly from vendors. The session highlights Installomator’s advantages, including simplified infrastructure, reduced technical debt, rapid deployment, self-service integration, compatibility with multiple MDMs, and support for distributed fleets. It also identifies scenarios where Installomator may not be suitable, such as version-locked environments, authenticated downloads, licensing-restricted software, or bandwidth-limited networks. Attendees will gain insights into Installomator’s flow logic, configuration variables (debug modes, notifications, DND settings, ownership rules), and real-world examples of Jamf Pro and Intune setup workflows. The talk concludes with practical advice on integrating tools like Installomator, patch management, AutoPKG, Title Editor, and manual workflows to develop a flexible software lifecycle strategy that accommodates diverse application requirements.

Learn what it is, why we chose it, and how it has enabled UEN to deploy several useful solutions, such as GoldenConfig, CircuitDB, and N.U.T.S. (Network Utility Tool Set).

This session serves as a show-and-tell of UENs’ SOT & network automation solution. Give a brief of why it was chosen and how the features Nautobot provides, now and in the future, benefit not only our network management, but also how these features may benefit them in the future. This will be shown through minimal slides with live demos making up the bulk of the presentation.

We have had to block GitHub due to content that allows students to circumvent filtering security. Some of our programming classes, however, need access to a GitHub-style tool to help them learn how to manage code. This is a presentation on how Salt Lake District is navigating that challenge.