Proposal: Review and Renew Administrative Computer Standards at the University of Connecticut

1. Proposal: Review and Renew Administrative Computer Standards at the University of Connecticut

2. Computer Standardization • Goal: To effectively manage computer resources • Cost effective • Meets the needs of the University • Consider Total Cost of Ownership of computers

3. Total Cost of Ownership • Initial cost of computer, warranty, software • Downtime (hardware or software failure) • Loss of productivity • Business Inefficiencies • Training • Users • Technical Staff

4. Included Faculty Staff Student computer labs High Technology Classrooms Not Included Research equipment Student computers Student laptop programs Evaluation equipment Administrative Computer Standards

5. Included Apple Computers Windows Computers Desktops, Laptops, Tablet PCs Not Included Linux-Based Systems Administrative Computer Standards

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Questions Questions and Answers

17. 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=RC956904&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

18. Support Can you support this recommendation? Do you need more from us (SLG)?