Purchasing new computer equipment (faculty and staff)

Overview

DotCIO strongly recommends that faculty and staff follow this process when purchasing new computer equipment for faculty and staff.

Details

Lifecycle:

All departments should work with DotCIO to establish a reasonable computer lifecycle program.

Selection:

DotCIO works closely with Procurement Services to maintain up-to-date standard recommendations from preferred suppliers to meet a majority of faculty and staff needs.   More information can be found here.  In cases where something other than standard recommendations is warranted we recommend that faculty or staff reach out to DotCIO by submitting a support request to consult regarding the specifics of the needs and receive recommendations on specific hardware, specifications and suppliers.  When non-standard equipment, specifications or suppliers are chosen, there can be numerous issues to contend with including licensing, compatibility, support and service.

Configuration:

There are specific requirements for Rensselaer-owned systems regarding their configuration.  These requirements help mitigate risk and require that DotCIO staff complete certain setup steps prior to general use.  Faculty or staff ordering new equipment should submit a support request to initiate this process, ideally in advance of receipt of equipment so that work can be scheduled and any questions regarding specific details be ironed out in advance.

References:  https://itssc.rpi.edu/hc/en-us/articles/360052366172-DotCIO-recommended-laptops-and-desktops

Last Reviewed: 22-Mar-2023