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Computer Deployment Policy

Purpose

  1. To control the redeployment of an older computer when it has been replaced by a new computer. The fact that operating system vendors will cease support of older operating systems, security requirements/laws at the State and Federal level are increasing, and resources being underutilized are factors necessitating this policy.

    Vendors who have declared an end of support for older versions of their operating systems present the following problems:
     
    • The computers with end of support operating systems will not be able to be updated against security threats because the vendor will no longer be releasing patches.
    • These computers will become vulnerable and not only pose a risk to the user of a system and the information that is on that computer, but also to the network that it is connected to, and thus other users on that network.
    • The security and stability of the SUNY Potsdam network and the sensitive data contained on it will be in jeopardy.
    • Newer software packages will often not operate on older operating systems.
    • This policy pertains to all computers connected to the SUNY Potsdam network. These include, but are not limited to, computers in use by: faculty, staff, tenants, emeriti and personally owned computers.
       
  2. To ensure a policy of one computer per person to save personnel resources, and costs of equipment, and software per seat licensing.
  3. State and Federal Cyber Security polices are increasing or laws have been enacted. We must adhere to these laws or policies to be in compliance or even to receive some forms of funding.

Minimum Computer Standards

In many cases the work being done with these redeployed computers is valuable to the operation of a department and therefore the college as a whole. While the intent is not to remove that value, it is necessary to set a minimum benchmark for these computers below which they cannot and will not be redeployed in order to maintain a secure network. For this purpose:

  • CTS will set a reasonable benchmark for both Windows and Macintosh computers.
  • CTS will post the new benchmarks in the Computing area of the College's website.
  • These benchmarks will be adjusted according to major changes in the computing industry that may impact minimum standards.

Determination for Redeployment of an old Computer

At the time of a new computer purchase, if the department buying the new equipment plans to redeploy the older computer, the following steps need to be taken:

  • The user or department will contact the IT Service Desk for an evaluation of the older computer.
  • A determination will be made by the IT Service Desk to see if the computer can be upgraded to minimum standards and if so, what it will need. (Minimally it may require only an Operating System upgrade but might also need more RAM or Hard Drive space) while keeping in line with campus policy of "one computer per person."
  • CTS will provide the department with the specifics of what to order for the computer upgrade if necessary. If the department chooses to make this investment, the computer will be upgraded prior to redeployment.
  • If this investment is not made, or the computer is no longer able to be supported, CTS will collect the obsolete equipment to ensure it is properly disposed of, recorded its disposition in inventory, and put in proper electronics recycling as New York State owned equipment.
  • CTS will determine the use-case of the old computer in question to confirm it follows the one person per computer policy and where it is intended to be re-deployed.

Requesting a Computer & Returns

Offices on campus return unused equipment and those of departing employees to CTS for redeployment and assessment, regardless of the funding source. These computers are then added to the "trickledown pool" of available computers. CTS will re-use these computers to replace outdated and no longer supported equipment or when a department asks for an extra computer(s) with a valid need. In the case of returned computers from a departing employee, if there is an immediate new hire in progress for a replacement line, the same computer will be re-imaged and held until the official hire date and the employee has their Campus Computer Account assigned.

In the case of a new employee who is not replacing an existing line, a department can request a computer from this pool at no charge.  If a computer is available that suits the needs of the individual, it will be prepared and configured.  If there is no suitable computer available CTS will provide the department a quote for a new computer. The computer should be requested when the hire has been confirmed by administration at all levels, however the computer cannot be issued until the employee receives their Campus Computer Account.

This process, and contributions from departments, save the College money while extending the life of equipment for other purposes. These computers are assessed, repaired and/or upgraded if necessary, and assigned to the area of need at no cost to the requesting department. It is CTS' experience that the campus as a whole benefits from a central pool of used equipment and significant cost savings have been achieved by doing so.

Communication

The college administration has agreed to this policy and this is notice to the campus community. It is the goal of CTS that departments know about this change when making their purchasing decision for new computers and thus budget for any upgrade that may be needed for their old computers if there are plans to continue to use them.

If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to itservicedesk@potsdam.edu or call x4444.