This page last updated 10/22/09
The longstanding DCI delivery model was recently evaluated.
Introduced ten years ago, the Desktop Computing Initiative (DCI) was conceived as a voluntary computer-purchase program designed to help make UVa’s IT environment more homogenous, and to advance efficient document-sharing, communications, and technical support at the University. The program encompasses machines offered to faculty, staff, and students. By leveraging the University’s buying power, DCI has been able to offer competitive pricing on a core set of Dell and Macintosh personal computers that come with pre-loaded common software and UVa-specific configurations.
ITC recently evaluated DCI to determine if a new delivery model could better serve the University community. Our analysis included an assessment of how DCI-associated services should be provided, and who would best be positioned to provide them.
Given the organizational missions of ITC and Cavalier Computers (currently the two program partners), as well as the reality that users ultimately have the last say in choosing what to buy, we determined that a new delivery model for both students and UVa departments would be appropriate.
Students choose what to buy based on their individual preferences and academic needs, while UVa departments make purchases based on their unique business demands. We also concluded that hardware standards should be developed by the University community, for the University community.
As a result of our assessment, we’ve developed new service delivery models for both student computer purchases and University departments and schools.
The DCI student portion will now give students greater flexibility.
UVa students will have the flexibility to choose the machine that best fits their academic and financial needs. Beyond minimum University standards, students and parents can now decide on a computer and/or device that addresses their personal criteria.
Cavalier Computers will be an on-Grounds source for student computing options, and as of fall 2009, will assume responsibility for the selection, marketing, configuration, and support of their products. ITC will continue its involvement with student computers only to the extent that it will still identify minimum standards and will make available for-fee imaging services to Cavalier.
Going forward, Cavalier Computers will be free to make its own purchasing and pricing decisions and to be flexible in responding to changing conditions in the student computer market.
The DCI departmental program will be replaced with a collaborative community.
The DCI departmental program has been replaced with a collaborative community, named the UVa Computing Standards Community.
This University-wide community will determine recommended standards for UVa desktops and laptops and enable joint ownership of departmental computer decisions. Its members include representatives from the many DCI stakeholders across the University, including LSPs, the Library, ISDS and SIS, as well as Cavalier Computers and ITC. The community is free to broaden the focus from just laptops and desktops as appropriate—to perhaps mobile devices, as well.
Building upon the work of the long-standing DCI Policy and Advisory Committees, the UVa Computing Standards community is truly University-based. It is dedicated to creating best practices of hardware and software configurations for all UVa user populations. This group is now working together to make recommendations and develop processes, standards, and specs for UVa constituents, who may then choose to base their purchasing decisions on these recommendations. The group can be contacted at bdcs@collab.itc.virginia.edu.
ITC’s commitment to core services remains unwavering.
ITC is totally committed to providing access to core services and infrastructure, regardless of where a computer was purchased. ITC has always had—and will continue to maintain—a strong commitment to providing reliable network connectivity, regardless of a computer’s model or software configuration. This is evidenced by the recent development of a non-computer specific Network Setup Tool, enabling members of the University community to connect to our secure wireless network automatically.
Your Feedback is Welcome
As ITC begins working to revamp the model for DCI, your participation is welcome in the discussion. We invite your input, comments, and questions; send them to ITC Customer Communications via our Feedback form.