HSIN Release 3 Weekly Update

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Dear Valued HSIN Partner,

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HSIN Release 3 (R3) Milestone: More Than 10,000 Users Approved in Primary Sites

We are pleased to announce that 10,800 users are now approved into their primary site on HSIN R3. This represents a significant milestone and indicates continued commitment to the use of R3. Keep up the good work.

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Another Big Week for Large-Scale Migrations to HSIN R3

We are pleased to welcome the following large-scale migrations to HSIN R3:

Overseas Personnel Activity List (OPAL): the reporting site that tracks DHS worldwide component deployment/resources and is a sub-site under the Federal Operations HSIN R3 site.

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Jabber screenshot

HSIN Instant Messaging Tool is in Production

The HSIN Instant Messaging tool, Jabber, will be available in HSIN R3 beginning on Wednesday, July 3rd. The new URL to access Jabber for HSIN R3 is: https://chat.dhs.gov/JMWeb/. The thin client version of Jabber (JMWeb 5.05) allows for users to instantly communicate with other HSIN users one on one or with groups via chat rooms.  Jabber’s thin client can be accessed via the web and does not require any custom software. This is an important feature for many of your user communities who are not authorized to install custom software on their desktops which is required for the new thick client (Jabber Messenger 3.2).  If you currently access Jabber via a thick client, we are working on infrastructure issues to complete the thick client deployment and will let you know when it is available for HSIN R3. Until then, you can use the thin client in HSIN R3 or continue to use your thick client in HSIN Legacy.  If you are currently using Jabber thick client (3.1.2.2) in HSIN Legacy, we can help you understand the features differences and help migrate you and your users to the thin client. Feel free to contact the HSIN Outreach Team at hsin.outreach@hq.dhs.gov if you have any additional questions or would like access to the user manual.

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Training Opportunities

Remember that we are continuing to expand the number of HSIN R3 training opportunities. Currently there are two types of training: Instructor-Led and Computer Based Training (CBT).  You can register for training sessions by logging into HSIN R3 and following the link: https://hsin.dhs.gov/Training/Pages/Overview.aspx. CBTs are also now available on new HSIN releases at: https://hsin.dhs.gov/system/productivityhub/default.aspx . If you have any questions regarding training, contact the HSIN Outreach Team at hsin.outreach@hq.dhs.gov for assistance.

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“You Asked…We Answered” - How do I overcome an “Unexpected Error” message when logging on to HSIN R3?  

Screenshot of error message

By simply logging into https://hsin.dhs.gov, then bookmarking the site should keep users from arriving at the error message in the screenshot below. Please note this error typically occurs when a user bookmarks the login page prior to authenticating, and then attempts to access that bookmark at a later time.

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Image of Superdome and helicopter

United States Coast Guard Utilizes (USCG) HSIN R3 for Hurricane Preparedness

The USCG recently highlighted HSIN R3 in its official blog, Coast Guard Compass. This entry emphasizes how HSIN R3 allows USCG to share information with other agencies instantly, regardless of their location, to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate. To view the full blog post, click here: http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2013/06/ready-to-respond-from-hurricanes-to-the-super-bowl/

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June Edition of the HSIN Advocate is Now Available

If you haven’t already seen it, please take a few minutes to read the June edition of the HSIN Advocate to learn more about the HSIN program, users, and technology: http://tinyurl.com/keqp3z6.  It’s full of tips and tricks on how to get more out of the tool.

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Facilitating Greater Information Sharing Through Self-Nomination

In pursuit of our mission to enable discovery of relevant information, while still protecting that information, the Site Directory allows existing HSIN R3 users to request access to sites via a process called self-nomination.  When a user requests access to your site, they are automatically nominated and will appear in your validation queue where you can approve or deny them after vetting their application and determining their suitability for access.  If you’d like more information on how your site appears in the Site Directory or about the possibility of deactivating self-nomination, please contact your Mission Advocate or HSIN.Outreach@hq.dhs.gov.

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Wishing You and Yours a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

Due to the upcoming July 4th Holiday, we won’t be publishing a weekly update next week, but will resume our normal weekly schedule again on July 17th. Additionally, please exercise patience when contacting the HSIN help desk as there may be higher call volume due to periods of heavy HSIN usage. As a reminder, you can always email the help desk (hsin.helpdesk@hq.dhs.gov) too. Whether your plans involve firing up the grill, attending a parade, or watching fireworks, the HSIN Outreach team invites you to take a moment and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday: our country’s commitment to freedom and independence. From our home to yours, we wish you a safe and enjoyable July 4th celebration!

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Upcoming Outages

Please note that the HSIN R3 system outages are always subject to change. However, be advised of the following, currently planned outages. Final notice of an outage will always be provided by the HSIN Service Operations Team:

  • 7/12/13- 7/13/13 – 9 PM EDT to 4 AM EDT
  • 7/19/13- 7/20/13 – 11PM EDT to 5 AM EDT
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Please contact the HSIN Outreach Team at hsin.outreach@hq.dhs.gov with comments and/or questions.

Thank you for your interest in HSIN R3!