For The School of Arts & Science, The School of Engineering, and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy
Overview

Each manufacturer has many different hardware models and software versions which, when all are supported, result in increased and unrealistic support demands for ITS staff. Software demands are ever increasing and costs of upgrading are greater than initial investments in more powerful equipment. Therefore, in order to make best use of resources, certain standards for hardware and software need to be implemented. It is impossible for 9 staff to provide service to 2,000+ computers/employees without defined rules or standards. ITS must determine what to support based upon the need. Choices must be made and we must leverage our resources i.e. 10 users needing support for product A vs. 100 users needing support for product B.

An increase in standardization - when sensible - will correspond to an increase in the level of service and support that can be provided. Too great a degree of standardization may result in inadequate desktop resources and frustration. Standards, therefore, are evolving guidelines which when followed permit the highest quality of support available. When these guidelines are not followed, user support expectations need to be clearly controlled.

Departments will be able to purchase the hardware or software of their choice - but must understand the ramifications of purchasing non-standard hardware/software. Non-standard hardware/software will not be supported by ITS.