Also see WSU's:
The intent of Administrative Desktop Computing Standards is to help realize efficiencies that will produce multiple benefits:
The Administrative Desktop Computer Specifications serve as WSU's initial Administrative Desktop Computing Standard. The standard is based on the cumulative hardware and software requirements for accessing the Banner System, Cognos ReportNet, WSU Pipeline, WebMail, and Blackboard. The standard also includes Microsoft Office and Symantec AntiVirus, two programs that are used throughout the University.
C&IT's Computing Support Team (CST) team and the WSU Purchasing Department are committed to once-a-month updates of the Dell Recommended Configurations. These configurations are similar to "Blue-Plate Specials" … there are no substitutions to the Recommended Configurations. The Recommended Configurations do not include monitors, Microsoft Office, or Symantec/Norton AntiVirus. Employees are free to ignore the Recommended Configurations and my custom configure a Dell PC. If the Dell Recommended Configurations prove to be useful, then Recommended Configurations for Macintosh and laser printer are next in line.
Administrative desktop computer standards will be set annually by a Technical Support Partners committee. The standards will be updated to compensate for technological advances and to keep pace with the University's changing needs, especially with respect to accessing key administrative systems.
The committee will publish the standards no less than once per year. All Technical Support Partners will have an opportunity to provide feedback before the standards are finalized.
Hardware standards will be valid for 36 months. In general, operating system and software standards will be supported for the current production release and the previous version. If the software vendor no longer supports the product, then it will be removed from the WSU Administrative Desktop Computing Standard.
After the standards are established by the Technical Support Partners, departmental business managers will be the first to receive them. These employees oversee the departmental/division budget and can help with the quick adoption of these standards.
Administrative desktops purchased can still be tailored to fit a particular user's and application's needs. Only professional IT staff in each department should perform these changes. Buyers that do not have their own IT support staff are strongly encouraged to consult with C&IT before veering away from the Administrative Desktop Computing Standard.
The WSU Administrative Desktop Computing Standard is not meant to limit directions taken by professional IT support staff in the S/C/Ds. Customizations to fit specific needs are expected to emerge. However, standards that are reached by consensus by Wayne State's Technical Support Partners are sure to benefit the institution as a whole.