Apple Technology Assurance Program (TAP)
RIT signed a three-year licensing agreement with Apple in June, 2002, so that departments could keep faculty and staff computers up to date with the latest Apple system software at the lowest cost. The Apple Technology Assurance Program, or TAP, agreement applies to operating systems used on Apple desktop and laptop computers. It does not cover server software or applications.
The Apple TAP agreement is a get current and stay current license. You do not need to have a current Mac OS version in order to be covered by the agreement. The TAP agreement is essentially a lease; it does not provide traditional perpetual licenses (as you typically find in shrinkwrapped retail software).
The agreement provides licenses for any current and past Macintosh operating system (see "Ordering licenses" below):
While you may purchase licenses under the TAP agreement, you must obtain installation media separately. (See "Ordering installation media" below.)
The licenses feature:
- Choice to select the appropriate operating system version for your hardware or specific deployment needs
- Ability to cover all RIT-owned Macintosh computers:
- Used by an individual
- Shared by multiple people
- Deployed in computer labs
- A low, predictable yearly fee -- one that is much less than the cost of Apple's educational price on new system software
- Flexible license coverage for individual faculty/staff, whole departments, and labs
- Unlimited home use by faculty and staff members who already have office computers covered by TAP (home use media must be purchased separately; see "Home use" below).
Products not covered by the agreement include:
- Apple Keynote
- Apple QuickTime Pro and related products
- Apple iLife applications (iDVD, iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand), except as installed with the operating system itself
- Apple Remote Desktop
- Mac OS X Server and related products
- Apple Final Cut Express and Final Cut Pro, and other professional applications
- Any other software not listed explicitly above.
Ordering licenses
The licenses must be purchased through ITS. TAP licenses do not cover the entirety of campus; individual or departmental participation is voluntary.
Download the order form here. Return the original form, signed by a department head, to ITS Administrative Services, Gannett Bldg (7b-1034). Faxes and photocopies are not acceptable.
Ordering installation media
Media sets can be purchased through RIT Campus Connections. The part numbers for media sets you can order for contract fulfillment are:
- Mac OS X 10.3 Panther: M9233ZM/A
- Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar: M8715ZM/A (subject to continued availability)
- Mac OS X 10.1: Not available
- Mac OS 9: M8532LL/A
- Mac OS 8: Not available
Please contact Macintosh desktop support through the ITS HelpDesk for more details. You cannot order media sets or obtain additional media from ITS.
Installing updated Mac OS versions
As always, to arrange for a software upgrades on RIT-owned computers, please contact your system administrator or the ITS HelpDesk at 5-4357, TTY at 5-2810, or send an e-mail to helpdesk@rit.edu.
Home use
Home use media sets for individuals those covered by TAP are available for a nominal fee to faculty and staff at the RIT Campus Connections bookstore. Purchase of these media sets are subject to verification of eligibility. Media sets are not currently available to those who are not covered by the TAP agreement, including the student body.
Contract expiration
The agreement will expire near the end of June, 2005. As we approach that date, we will plan for the end of the contract and its implications, and advise those who have signed up for the agreement. ITS does not expect that we will be able to renew the agreement due to Apple's changing policies. We do, however, expect Apple to offer their new equivalent, the Apple Maintenance Program (AMP), in lieu of the TAP agreement renewal. While the terms for AMP are different, we have every reason to believe Apple will help make the transition as painless as possible.