QVF Security Update - Two New Software Updates Next Week:  Department of State staff are currently preparing for the next major QVF software update scheduled to occur next week. We are proceeding with the update at this time to implement significant new system security features.  At the same time, we will release several software enhancements that we think you will like.

It will be necessary for us to release this update in two phases to ensure proper implementation.

Phase I 

Phase I will begin on Monday, November 15^th. We will notify all sites by email and fax on Monday when QVF version 2.7 becomes available in the afternoon. This release will focus on updating some existing Oracle security features. This is part of our ongoing effort to ensure that the QVF database remains safe and secure.  This update will take only a few minutes and you will see little change in the software.

Phase II  

Phase II is scheduled to take place on the Thursday, November 18^th. Phase II will be released as QVF version 2.8. Every QVF user in the state must be upgraded to QVF version 2.7 before Phase II can begin. The new version will contain updates to the Precinct and Polling Location module, the Mass AV Application module and the Clerk Lookup module. This update may take slightly longer than usual.  Instructions on how to use the updated modules will follow.

We recognize that this upgrade schedule is aggressive, but it is necessary.  To ensure the continued development and security of the QVF system, QVF users must strictly adhere to the deployment plan described below. If you will not be available for the updates, please arrange for other staff to be available to perform the updates. Contact the QVF Help Desk immediately if your office will be unable to perform the updates on the given dates to make alternative arrangements.

Deployment Plan

Monday, November 15, 2004: Phase I - QVF version 2.7 release (First Oracle Security Update).  The software will be released as a MANDATORY upgrade.  This means that, beginning Tuesday morning, users will unable to sign in to the QVF until they upgrade their software. All clerks must obtain this version before we can proceed to the second update.

It is vital that QVF users leave their computers turned on Monday night so they can replicate automatically.

November 15-November 17, 2004: The Department of State will migrate data and prepare for Phase II.

It is vital that QVF users leave their computers turned on Wednesday night so they can replicate automatically.  Failure to replicate prior to the Phase II upgrade could result in the loss of data. 

Thursday, November 18, 2004: Phase II - QVF version 2.8 release (Second Oracle Security Update and QVF Feature Update). This update will require longer than usual to complete, as a fairly large amount of data will be migrated. The software will be released as a MANDATORY upgrade.  This means that, beginning Friday morning, users will unable to sign in to the QVF until they upgrade their software.

It is vital that QVF users leave their computers turned on Thursday night so they can replicate automatically. 

These updates will have no affect on QVF users' ability to use the QVF system and complete the entry of voting history for the November 2 election.  Users who follow the software update procedures will be able to get back to work immediately with minimal disruption.

Thank you for your cooperation.  Please continue to monitor your email for updates on this release.