1.What does the partnership between UPMC and Stargate mean to me?
Stargate will provide exclusive VPN (virtual private network) services to authorized staff and physicians who need secure access to UPMC's many programs and services. In addition, Stargate will offer significant discounts to staff and physicians who are interested in Internet access for their home use.
2.What are the benefits?
Whether you need access for business reasons or just for fun, Stargate is offering Internet access services at greatly discounted rates:
- Internet Service Provider (ISP ONLY)
For email, web and general Internet access
UPMC has negotiated an extremely competitive discount for access services. As an affiliate, you can enjoy between a 10% and 35% discount on standard access service. Access your UPMC web-outlook account and surf the web from home at a great rate!
- Internet Service Provider & Virtual Private Network (ISP with VPN)
For access to internal applications as well as email, web and general Internet access
In addition to a great discount, ISP with VPN Users will have access to privileged online resources (i.e., Mars, Sunquest, Medipac, PeopleSoft HRMS, EMPI, Infonet, etc.) through the use of a virtual private network (VPN) available only through Stargate. While users can certainly access the web or personal mail with another Internet Service Provider, they will still be required to purchase VPN service from Stargate to be able to access UPMC secured information.
- VPN Only Service - affiliates using an ISP other than Stargate are eligible to use the
VPN for an additional internal monthly fee. Please read more information here.
Only UPMC ISD-approved personnel can access the virtual private network (VPN). To apply for access, have your manager visit http://isdhelpdesk.upmc.edu * and complete the on-line form on your behalf.
Visit http://www.stargate.net/upmc/ for product availability and discounted pricing.
3.Who is Stargate?
Pittsburgh-based Stargate is a leading provider of Internet and eBusiness technology solutions. The company, founded in 1994 and employing more than 300 people, offers a range of Internet, technology and professional services, including managed hosting and co-location, application development, dedicated connectivity, disaster recovery, web site design, and staff augmentation. Stargate currently serves in excess of 90,000 residential and business clients with dial-up and DSL service. Further, Stargate is one of the nation's largest independent Internet Service Providers, providing access in all 48 contiguous states. Stargate was one of the first companies in the region to offer state-of-the-art managed Data Center hosting and co-location services. The company's Web address is www.stargate.net . Stargate is the preferred provider of remote Internet access for UPMC.
4.Who is eligible for this discounted service?
All employees of UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC Montefiore, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Magee Womens Hospital, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Eye & Ear, UPMC Passavant, UPMC St. Margaret, UPMC McKeesport, UPMC South Side, UPMC Braddock, UPMC Horizon, UPMC Bedford Memorial, UPMC Lee Regional, UPMC Northwest, UPMC Rehabilitation Hospital, UPMC Corporate Services, UPMC Health Plan, University of Pittsburgh Physicians, UPMC Community Medicine, UPMC Diversified Services, affiliated physicians, and other associated entities are eligible for the discounted services.
Only UPMC ISD-approved personnel can access the virtual private network (VPN). To apply for access, have your manager visit http://isdhelpdesk.upmc.edu/ * and complete the online form on your behalf.
5.How do I subscribe?
Visit our web site at http://www.stargate.net/upmc/ or call us at 1-800-734-3717. Select option #2, followed by option #1.
Also, Stargate will be on site at several Oakland hospitals. Dates and times will be published in the UPMC Extra!
6.If I'm already a Stargate customer, how do I take advantage of the discount?
If you're already a Stargate customer and associated with UPMC, you are also eligible for the discounted services. Please visit our web site at http://www.stargate.net/upmc/ to verify that you are currently subscribing to a service that is being discounted. Next, call Stargate at 1-800-734-3717 to speak with a customer service specialist. From the phone menu select option #3, followed by option #1, then option #3. Let the Stargate representative know you need to close your current Stargate services and switch to a UPMC services. This change should not affect your email address. You'll begin enjoying the new discount on the next full billing cycle.
7.What services can I get and what are the discounts?
Stargate's most popular access services are available at an exclusive discount for UPMC staff and physicians. Stargate offers high-speed DSL service in many areas and maintains local dial-up numbers in the area and more than 1,000 other cities across the United States.
Visit http://www.stargate.net/upmc/ for a full product listing including price.
8.What if I have an office with a small network that I'd like to connect?
Stargate has a hardware solution perfect for connecting doctors or other small offices to the VPN. Recommended for sites with more than one computer, the Stargate LAN-LAN VPN solution keeps your network attached to the VPN all the time. For more information on this service, please contact a corporate sales representative via our web site at http://www.stargate.net/html/contact_us.html or call them at 1-800-734-3717 option #2, option #2. The LAN-LAN VPN works well with ISDN, DSL, Frame Relay & T1 services from Stargate.
9.How do I know if I need the PITT VPN service or the UPMC VPN service?
The University and the Health System have networks which are operated independently of each other. While they are connected in some manner, the same access is not necessarily available with both.
If you require access to the Health System network, you will need an account for the UPMC VPN. If you require access to restricted University library resources, you will need an account for the PITT VPN. In many cases, the UPMC VPN will provide access to the University network due to the collaborative research relationship shared by the University and the Health System.
In some cases, it is anticipated that there will be individuals who require access to both services. So, one might utilize the UPMC VPN most of the time, but occasionally have to disconnect and re-connect to the Pitt VPN to utilize library resources.
10.How can I pay for my Stargate account?
Stargate has multiple payment options for your convenience. You can use credit card, debit card or even electronic funds transfer (automatically deducts your monthly payment from your checking or savings account). Payment will be deducted from your account on the same day each month.
11.What are the minimum requirements for my computer?
Visit our web site at http://help.stargate.net for information on hardware and software minimum requirements.
12.Do I need special software to make a connection?
Stargate utilizes popular web browsers (Internet Explorer or Netscape) by making simple modifications to your computer's Internet configurations. Many new computers come with this software pre-installed, however, Stargate can provide a software CD as needed.
For Internet with VPN users, in order to facilitate access to the UPMC network once UPMCHS ISD approves your application, you must have a VPN client installed on your machine. The software will be available immediately for download from the Stargate web site after you register.
Visit our technical support web site at http://help.stargate.net , or call 1-800-734-3717.
13.How do I know if I qualify for high-speed DSL service?
Stargate provides a variety of DSL services throughout the region; however, service is subject to availability and technical qualification. To verify your eligibility for high-speed DSL service, visit our web site at http://www.stargate.net/upmc/ and follow the links for DSL service. You'll need the telephone number for the location that you would like to have DSL installed.
14.If I'm using a dial-up account, how do I know it will be a local call?
In addition to covering 99% of the 412/724/814 area codes with local access numbers, Stargate also provides Internet access in all 48 of the contiguous states. You can find out if Stargate has a local number for you by visiting our site at http://www.stargate.net/html/local_dialup_num bers.html . It is the user's responsibility to verify with the local telephone company that the call will be toll-free. Also, we ask that you become familiar with the user policies and terms of service, which can be downloaded at http://www.stargate.net/html/general_terms_of_service.html .
15.Who do I call when I need help with my account?
If you have any problems with your Internet connection or Stargate account, you should call Stargate. Support requests can be submitted by completing the online form located at http://www.stargate.net/html/contact_us.html , or by calling us at 1-800-734-3717.
If you are having technical difficulties with a UPMC provided application/resource, you can contact the UPMC ISD Help Desk at 412-647-HELP.
If you require access to a UPMC system for which you don't currently have an account, online forms can be found at http://isdhelpdesk.upmc.edu * to request one. UPMC ISD Information Security handles the creation of user accounts.
16.How can I access my UPMC email when I'm away from the office?
UPMC electronic mail service does not require VPN access. Users can check their email securely by going through Stargate or another Internet service provider and going to the Internet site: http://exchange.upmc.edu . This service is available to any employee with an @msx.upmc.edu email address.
17.How can I access my account when traveling?
StarTraveler enables fast, reliable access to your Stargate account while traveling. With StarTraveler services, you'll enjoy the same functionality and support that you get at home whether you're in Alabama or Zimbabwe, or anywhere in between. StarTraveler provides a number of remote access services including web-based email, nationwide access number (billed at $0.10/minute) and International roaming service via iPass. Before you pack your bags and head out of town, please visit http://travel.stargate.net to learn more about the trio of services included in StarTraveler.
UPMC staff members who use a Stargate DSL connection at home have several options for gaining access to their Internet service while traveling.
18.What happens to my account if my UPMC affiliation status changes?
When you no longer have status as an employee or affiliate, UPMC will eliminate your access to their network and will notify Stargate. You will have 30 days to migrate your account to a standard Stargate account before losing access to the Internet via your discounted account.
19.What if I have another question that you haven't answered here?
For questions about Internet service, contact Stargate at http://www.stargate.net/html/contact_us.html or call us anytime at 1-800-734-3717.
* You must be connected to the UPMC network in order to access URLs within the isdhelpdesk.upmc.edu domain.
