We’re excited to announce that the USC Provost MyWork virtual desktop platform is getting an upgrade. Beginning on December 1st, 2021, the system will be powered by a new, more secure, and cloud-based platform that has enhanced features and is more user-friendly. Your login experience may look slightly different, but you’ll still get the same familiar, fast, and secure virtual desktop that you’ve used before from any device of your choosing.
How does this impact me?
If you access the MyWork platform through a web browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, your overall experience will mostly remain the same. However, you will have to append @provost.usc.edu onto the end of your username when logging in. Your password remains the same as it was. The website and overall user interface for the system will look similar, but it’s been refreshed and slightly rearranged to make things cleaner and easier-to-use.
If you access the MyWork platform through the desktop or mobile application, you’ll need to use a different application after December 1st. Existing users of the MyWork system will be instructions on where to find this application before 11/19. If you haven’t received this information, or if you wish to request the connection instructions in advance, please reach out to the Provost IT service desk via the various contact methods located on this page. For security reasons, this information is not provided publicly.
If you do not currently use the MyWork platform, this change will have no impact to you.
Why is this change being made?
After over five years of usage, the current MyWork platform, and its associated backend hardware, are nearing end-of-life. This means that the system is running on old physical equipment in our datacenter, so it’s not taking advantage of the latest technologies and hardware that’s available. It also means that support and upgrades will soon no longer provided.
In 2020 and early 2021, Provost IT conducted a rigorous testing and assessment project to evaluate a renewal or replacement of the platform. After user testing and feedback, as well as a detailed assessment of reliability and security, we began the process to move the MyWork system to a new platform. This new platform is not only more secure, but also more cost-effective. It’s also cloud-based, which delivers enhanced reliability and performance.
How do I access the new system?
Existing users of the MyWork system will be sent new connection instructions before 11/19. If you haven’t received this information, or if you wish to request the connection instructions in advance, please reach out to the Provost IT service desk via the various contact methods located on this page. For security reasons, the connection instructions are only made available to existing users of the system.
MyWork is only available to eligible users in departments supported by Provost IT.
Are there any cost increases, changes, or chargebacks associated with this change?
No.
What is MyWork? I have not heard of it before.
MyWork is a USC Provost IT-powered virtual desktop platform. It allows eligible users in departments supported by Provost IT to securely connect to a USC desktop at any time, from any device, and without the need to install or activate the VPN or other software. This means that you can access your files, websites, and other business applications just by going to a URL in your browser or opening an app on your phone or tablet. Need to run the full version of Microsoft Excel on your iPad? How about access a work file, email, or your entire desktop securely from a personal device? MyWork can help you do all of the above and more, including replacing legacy remote desktop connections.
The service is also extremely reliable and cloud-powered, so you can even perform tasks such as participating in a Zoom meeting, viewing videos, photos, or other media, and running certain high-performance programs, all from within your virtual desktop and from any device. It’s fast, easy, secure, and quick to learn how to use.
What if I have questions or experience issues?
We’re here to help. If you have questions about transitioning to the new MyWork platform, or if you experience any issues or wish to learn more about the platform, please reach out to the Provost IT service desk via the various contact methods located on this page.