Division of IT Service of the Month: Institutional Computer Purchases

IT News

Division of IT Service of the Month: Institutional Computer Purchases

October 14, 2013 ⋅

Each month, the Division of IT hi-lights a service provided to the campus. This month’s service is:

Western Carolina University is required to participate in the UNC General Administration (UNC-GA) Combined Pricing Initiative (CPI) for bulk personal computer (PC) purchasing. The purpose of the program is to reduce the cost of equipment and support. All PC purchases for institutional use will be completed through the UNC-GA CPI program.

CPI Workflow Overview (PDF)

Important elements of this policy are listed below:

CPI Purchases may be made only from our approved vendor, currently Dell. This includes purchases using state funds, grants, or any other special funding.
Apple products may be purchased for institutional use, but they are not yet part of the CPI program. Instead, each quarter UNC-GA does a combined bulk purchase of Apple PCs which results in additional price discounts.
Desktop and laptop PCs are currently covered by the CPI program.
UNC-GA has negotiated with vendors for the best prices for a range of standard desktop and laptop computer configurations intended to meet diverse computing needs while also reducing the total cost of ownership. EPEAT/Energy Star requirements are also included for energy conservation.
Purchasers are required to use the WCU Dell Market Place e-procurement system which may be accessed at http://premier.dell.com/.
Non-standard configurations that may be necessary for special situations will require approval through a new exception approval process. UNC-GA requires the total expenditure for exceptions not to exceed 20% of the total computer purchases.

Exception Process (PDF)
Exception Request Form (PDF)

Dell Computer Purchases

Eight standard Dell computer configurations are available.

Computer	Dell	Use
Desktop:
Basic	Optiplex 7010 Small Form Factor	Value-conscious choice for basic internet, email and Microsoft Office needs.
Mid-Level	Optiplex 9010 Minitower	Durable choice for everyday multitasking using standard business applications.
High-End	Optiplex 9010 Minitower	High performance choice for more intensive needs, such as Autodesk’s AutoCAD and other specialty apps.
Workstation	Precision Workstation	Professional workstation class machines for Engineers, designers, architects and digital content creators.
Laptop:
Basic	Latitude E5430	Value-conscious choice for basic internet, email and Microsoft Office needs. 14.1-inch Display. Standard size laptop keyboard.
Mid-Level	Latitude E6430	Durable choice for everyday multitasking using standard business applications. 14.1-inch Display. Standard size laptop keyboard.
High-End	Latitude E6530	Choice for more intensive needs, such as Photoshop or video-editing. 15.6-inch Display. Slightly larger laptop keyboard.
Ultra-Portable	Latitude E6330	Choice for Faculty and Staff who travel frequently or require a thin, light laptop. 13.3-inch Display. Slightly smaller laptop keyboard.

Apple Computer Purchases

WCU Minimum Apple Computer Specifications for Institutional Use

For information on Personal and Student Purchases please visit http://www.wcu.edu/27821.asp.

Eligibility

WCU Faculty and Staff IT purchases for institutional use using state funds, grants, or any other special funding.

Service Availability

Web tools for purchasing are available 24/7. Personal assistance is available by appointment, Monday-Friday, 8-5.

IT’s Role

Developing and maintaining standards for computers, desktop support for all standard purchasing configurations, help with shipping and receiving, working with Purchasing Department on pricing and ordering.

Support

Contact the IT Help Desk
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed weekends and university holidays
Call: 227-7487 or 866-928-7487 (toll free)
E-mail: ithelp@wcu.edu
Log in: Online Help Desk/IT Self-Service <http://ithelp.wcu.edu/>
Faculty and Staff
username – wcu\WCU account username
password – WCU account password
Students
username – wcu\Catamount account username
password – your PIN or password

Visit the Technology Commons
On the ground floor of Hunter Library
For walk-up technology assistance for faculty, staff and students
We’re open the same hours as Hunter Library