ITS proposes computer purchasing plan

Faculty weighed in on the proposed re-structure of the computer purchasing plan for ASU Information Technology Services on Friday.

Mark Hoeting, chief information officer for ITS, presented the new plan and changes for ITS from the cost containment task force during the meeting.

This summer, the new plan for how the university purchases computers will be implemented to create many new opportunities.

Currently, when a member of the faculty or staff needs a new computer, the process can take three to five weeks before the computer makes it to that person's desk.

Under the new plan, no longer will they need to wait more than 48 hours to see the new computer.

The university has contracts with computer and technology providers, but now they are looking for an option that works better for the university and its needs as other universities have done.

They will still be working with the same providers.

"We are advocating for our own contract terms and it's quite do-able," said Hoeting.

In the presentation, it was stated that the university is generally only buying five different models of computers.

Because of this, ITS is going to buy those five models in bulk and create the ASU IT Store. The plan is to guarantee each faculty and staff member a new computer every three years.

The ASU community will be able to purchase computers and technologythrough the store. A physical location is part of phase two of the plan.

At this location, items can be purchased. A computer lab larger than the lab on the first floor of the library and a learning technology support center for students are also in the works.

More than one senator expressed their frustrations with printers and scanners during the meeting.

Compatibility between the newer computers and old printers and scanners was a concern and that there are multiple models needing different toners. The senators asked if there was a way to consolidate scanners and printers to just a few different models around campus.

"In my department this is a real problem," John Hall said, professor of psychology and counseling. "We, as faculty, use these printers and scanners almost as often as we do the actual computer."

In other business, the senate once again tabled discussion on research policies and was updated on the status of the controversial intellectual property policy that they strongly opposed.

More discussion will be brought in their next meeting about these two topics.