Hardware Recommendations Overview

In an ongoing effort to provide a reliable and supportable desktop environment for campus users, Information Resources & Technology (IRT) evaluates and recommends desktop hardware for on-campus and home use.  Hardware is evaluated, selected, and priced in advance of each semester.  Criteria used to select hardware are

• components must met or exceed the minimum recommendations defined by the campus standards groups
• the price of the unit must be competitive
• the hardware is perceived as a "good value", comprised of quality components, new technologies and services associated with the purchase
• the hardware must be supported for the products life cycle

Approximately every four years, a vendor is selected to provide the recommended hardware.  The evaluation and selection of the vendor typically coincides with the refresh of the BATS lab equipment.  The refresh of BATS lab equipment has occurred every four years since 1998.  The criteria used to select the preferred hardware vendor are

• the vendor must provide a self maintainer program that certifies our hardware technicians to repair the hardware
• the vendor must provide a mechanism that facilitates the purchase and delivery of the hardware
• the vendor must have a proven track record and is expected to stay in business for the life cycle of the hardware

Last Updated: March 11, 2008