Buying Guidelines

Buying Guidelines

Computing technology changes often, and ITS makes every effort to keep these recommendations up to date, so be sure to check this page for the latest information. ITS generally advises that an office computer be replaced after 3 to 5 years of service. With the cost of new equipment constantly declining, upgrades are generally not cost-effective after a machine becomes four or five years old.

Recommendations for hardware can be found here.

 

ITS Purchasing & Support Standard

This standard applies to all departments using computers managed and supported by ITS.

In an ongoing effort to reduce IT costs to the institute, and to improve customer service and operational efficiency, the following “ITS Purchasing & Support Standard” is being implemented. This standard is in effect as of February 14, 2014.

To reduce overall operating costs to the institute, ITS and Procurement work diligently to ensure that you’re provided with the most cost effective solution for your computer needs.  Negotiations with various vendors are made on an ongoing basis to provide you with enterprise level computers that meet the needs of RIT faculty and staff and adhere to all Desktop Support Standards set by the Information Security Office. A lot of time and effort goes into the designing and maintenance of our computer systems. Systems outside of the recommended models incur additional costs to the institute due to the nature of resources required to support them.

This standard provides improved capabilities for ITS to effectively deploy applications, updates and patches, as well as detect problems.  It enables ITS Enterprise Support to continue to improve the quality, timeliness and accuracy of support to customers.  This standard pertains to all ITS managed hardware and software and will be reviewed on a continual basis. Please see the below FAQ’s for answers to questions you may have regarding this standard.

FAQ

Who does this Standard pertain to?

This standard pertains to all computers that are supported and maintained by ITS Enterprise Support.

Why is it important for me to adhere to this standard?

To reduce overall operating costs to the institute, ITS and Procurement work diligently to ensure that you’re provided with the most cost effective solution for your computer needs. Negotiations with various vendors are made on an ongoing basis to provide you with enterprise level computers that meet the needs of RIT faculty and staff and adhere to all Desktop Support Standards set by the Information Security Office. A lot of time and effort goes into the designing and maintenance of our computer systems. Systems outside of the recommended models incur additional costs to the institute due to the nature of resources required to support them.

I have a legitimate need to purchase a model outside of the standard. What is the exception process?

Support for purchases of hardware or technologies that vary from the approved lists will be at the discretion of ITS and must be approved by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). An additional exception request to the Information Security Office may be required depending on the circumstances. It should be noted that systems outside of the ITS standards may receive degraded support.

ITS Purchasing & Support Exception Form 

My division/department currently has several systems that fall under the non-standard category and we have a limited budget for computer purchases. Was that considered during the design of this standard?

Yes, computer funding was certainly a consideration, as was many other factors. To help account for this, we’ve established a grandfather clause that is in effect for all hardware purchased from November 15, 2011 to November 15, 2013. On November 1, 2015, this grandfather clause will expire and these items will no longer be supported without an exception.

ITS Enterprise Support Standard on Purchase and Support of Computers, Related Technology, and Software

Overview

ITS Enterprise Support (ES) provides managed desktop support services for colleges and divisions.  As part of our ongoing efforts to improve customer service and operational efficiency, we are implementing updated software and hardware standards.   This standard provides improved capabilities to effectively deploy applications, updates and patches, as well as detect problems.  It will enable ES to continue to improve the quality, timeliness and accuracy of support to our customers.  This standard pertains to all ITS managed hardware and software and will be reviewed on a continual basis.

1. General Principles
  • Effective February 14th, 2014, this standard applies to the purchase and support of all computer‐related technology for all departments, divisions and colleges that receive ITS support, including all colleges, divisions, departments, centers, research laboratories, and other entities. A grandfather clause will be in effect for all hardware purchased from February 14, 2012 to February 14, 2014. On February, 2016, this grandfather clause will expire.  
  • All computers, related technology (including all peripherals), and software licenses purchased using Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) funds, including startup, operating, discretionary, and grant funds, in the areas supported by ITS, are the property of RIT and must be configured by ITS staff to comply with all RIT computer, information, and security policies, and added to inventory as appropriate.
  • ITS can assist in advising, consulting, and making recommendations on purchases. However, ITS does not approve expenditure of funds.  For help in choosing a desktop or laptop model that best meets your needs, please see our purchasing guidelines.
2. Supported Technology
  • ITS will support only RIT approved models of hardware with approved system configurations, which include warranty support.  
  • For a list of currently approved applications please visit our website.  Support for non‐standard applications is at the discretion of ITS. 
    • For a Campus Agreement Microsoft Windows license to be in compliance an existing OEM license of Microsoft Windows must be bundled with the original system purchase or a full retail license of Microsoft Windows must be purchased.
  • Hardware out of warranty will be given best effort support.  
 
3. Exceptions
  • Support for purchases of hardware or technologies that vary from the standard will be at the discretion of ITS and must be approved by the Chief Information Officer (CIO).  The request will require a college Dean or divisional VP approval. A separate request to the Information Security Office may also be required.

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Contact RIT Service Center

RSC is the first point of contact for all your technology questions or issues.
In Person: Frank E. Gannett Hall, Room 1113
Phone: (585) 475-5000
Hours of Operation for ITS Support:

Normal Hours

Mon - Thu: 7:30 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Fri: 7:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Sat - Sun: 12:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

In-Person support available Mon - Fri 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. (Available only when classes are in session)

 

Break/Summer Hours

Mon - Fri: 7:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Sat - Sun: Closed