Proposal: Review and Renew Administrative Computer Standards at

the University of Connecticut

Computer Standardization

Goal: To effectively manage computer resources– Cost effective– Meets the needs of the University

Consider Total Cost of Ownership of computers

Total Cost of Ownership

Initial cost of computer, warranty, software Downtime (hardware or software failure) Loss of productivity Business Inefficiencies Training

– Users– Technical Staff

Administrative Computer Standards

Included Faculty Staff Student computer labs High Technology

Classrooms

Not Included Research equipment Student computers Student laptop

programs Evaluation equipment

Administrative Computer Standards

Included Apple Computers Windows Computers Desktops, Laptops,

Tablet PCs

Not Included Linux-Based Systems

Current Environment - HuskyPC

Standards program in place for approximately 10 years– To address rising cost of computer support

Standards exist for Windows computers Standards currently being developed for

Apple computers

Why Now?

Initially, standard HuskyPC computers were mandatory

– Faculty– Staff– Computer Labs

Today frequent exceptions are made Current contract with Dell expires on June 30, 2007 Apple HuskyPC is about to debut

Why Computer Standardization?

It is important to consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) when purchasing computers

Standardization has been shown to reduce TCO in environments similar to UConn

From the University’s standpoint standardizing on a specific configuration\manufacturer has helped:

– Reduce downtime– Promote overall efficiency– Negotiate for best overall pricing– Secure an ongoing support structure.

Why Computer Standardization?

Security & Efficiency: Computers are equipped with software and operating system configurations which keep them safe and operable, minimizing downtime from viruses and other intrusions

Pricing: A single vendor\manufacturer affords the University economies of scale in purchasing computer equipment

Cost: Hardware warranties ensure the usable life of the computer is preserved at a minimum expense to the University, including a minimum downtime

Why Computer Standardization?

Support Efficiency: Allows for consistency in computer troubleshooting and repair

– Hardware and application problems are more efficiently diagnosed and repaired in a familiar environment (each vendor has their respective design and parts)

– Easy and efficient to refresh the computer using a computer image, if necessary

Support Efficiency: Using a master computer contract, support typically includes an escalated call resolution model separate and apart from other support channels resulting in faster turnaround time

Why Computer Standardization?

Productivity: Increased productivity due to the interoperability of standardized systems

Productivity: Increased productivity due to the testing and verification process which guarantees operability with business systems

Network Compatibility: Tested and guaranteed to work on UConn’s network

Recommendation

Re-establish and reinforce computer standards for administrative computing– Goal: Effectively managing computer resources in

a manner that is both cost effective and meets the needs of the University

Approval of Software License Group Approval of IT Planning Committee Approval of IT Steering Group

Moving Forward

Define standard computers for both Apple and Windows platform

Through the Software License Group, investigate the current HuskyPC standards and expand, as applicable, to meet the needs of the University:

– Faculty (teaching, liberal arts, engineer\technical, etc.)– Staff (administrative, general, technical, etc.)– Student computer labs and High Technology Classrooms

Moving Forward

Establish a periodic review of the HuskyPC offering to ensure that it continues to meet the University’s needs

Establish a policy whereby all administrative computers purchased must be standard computers– With no central support for non-standard

computers

Moving Forward

Establish a policy whereby all computers must be equipped with a minimum three year warranty

– Dell extended warranty - $80.90 (4 years), $117.26 (5 years)

– Apple extended warranty – $300.00 (4 years), $400.00 (5 years)

Communication from the COO and Provost to the University population regarding the standards, policies and expectations for computer purchases

Questions

Questions and Answers

Resources

Full Proposal document– http://software.uconn.edu/pcstandards.pdf

Studies, whitepapers, and other web resources– http://www.state.nd.us/ea/activities/docs/2002/11212002c.pdf– http://www.intel.com/it/digital-office/tco-pc-upgrade.htm– http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/tco/en/tco?c=us&cs=RC956

904&l=en&s=hied– http://www.processor.com/editorial/article.asp?Article=articles/p2547/23p47

/23p47.asp&GUID=– http://www.pytheas.com/pam/en/soa-tco.asp

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