News
IT changes to improve access, pricing
In an effort to improve computer access and pricing for faculty, staff and students, UB Information Technology has instituted a number of changes in the way the university delivers products, services and support.
Thomas R. Furlani, interim chief information officer, outlined the changes in a recent email to the university community:
Expectations in today’s computer industry are for online access, immediate download, virtual services and lower prices. In order to keep pace with these expectations, we are making changes at UB in the way students, staff and faculty obtain computer-related products, services and support. Our goal is to make it easier and less expensive for the campus community to obtain software and hardware, obtain tech support and advice, and get access to maintenance and repairs for both university-owned and personal computer-related equipment.
Software
New software distribution webpages that make it easier to obtain software for both university-related and personal needs have been created. The pages give more complete instructions and guidelines for products such as Microsoft Office 2010, Office 2011 for Mac, Windows7 Upgrades, Symantec Endpoint Protection (Anti-virus), Matlab, Mathematica, and many more. Click here for complete details.
My Virtual Computing Lab, which provides access to many of the software programs found in UB’s computing labs, is another very popular solution for remote access to a wide variety of software. We encourage you to explore what is available to you virtually—from the comfort of your home, dorm room or office. Click here for complete instructions and guidelines.
Hardware
After years of decreasing demand, due in large part to online ordering and the fact that most of today’s incoming students already have a computer, the UBMicro store in The Commons has closed. Other retail outlets on campus, including CVS and Follett’s Bookstores, will continue to carry a wide array of computer and technology products.
For departmental purchases, we will continue our successful relationship with Dell for online purchasing of PCs and with lower pricing than available presently through UBMicro. Details on models, pricing and ordering are available on the UBit website. Dell PCs are recommended because select configurations approved by UB IT professionals come pre-loaded with UB software and are configured to work well on UB’s network. In addition, the warranty for new Dell PCs has been extended to five years. Special thanks to the Workstation Standards committee led by Peter Rittner for their work in reaching this agreement with Dell.
Apple products are available for online purchase.
Repair and maintenance
Departmental and personal computer and printer repair and maintenance services are now offered at a service depot located in 214 Lockwood on second floor of Lockwood Cybrary at prices that in many cases are lower than previously offered through UBMicro. Customers can drop off their equipment at the depot and have them serviced through VITEC Solutions, a Western New York-based company. Click here for more information.
Keeping pace
Our goal in making these changes is to improve access and pricing. We continue to build on successes such as My Virtual Computing Lab, and to focus on providing solutions to the increasingly mobile and highly connected student population. While UBMicro provided useful and valuable services, the nature of the computer industry is one of change—driven by continually lower prices and an increasing online presence. The above-mentioned changes will allow UB to keep pace and in so doing provide the most value for students, faculty and staff. Indeed, all the products and services previously offered by UBMicro will still be available, and in many cases at a lower cost.
We always welcome your comments and suggestions. Let me know how we’re doing at CIT-feedback@buffalo.edu.
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