Beginning in 2021, IU started standardizing workstation configurations to include a defined range of devices manufactured by Dell, Apple, and Microsoft.
A defined range of devices means IU purchases items in larger quantities. This also decreases the operating costs of maintaining the equipment since there are fewer workstation setup types to maintain. Ultimately, both benefits save the university money and ensure faculty and staff have the equipment needed to support IU.
That may make it sound like there are fewer options. However, there are a variety of standard devices available to choose from that offer various levels of capability. Visit the Dell and CDW-G catalogs in BUY.IU to see what’s available.
Search for “IU Standard” in the Dell catalog to return a list of desktop and laptop options.
In CDW-G, select the “Microsoft Surface Standards” on the catalog homepage to see the available Surface standards.
Apple standards are coming soon through a reseller.
Purchases of non-standard devices from an IU contracted manufacturer (Apple, Dell, and Microsoft) may be purchased with IT Manager approval. Contact your IT Manager to obtain this approval and attach it in the Comments of the BUY.IU requisition. Keep in mind that non-standard devices create additional work for your unit’s IT professional and that less support will be provided by UITS.
Purchases from other manufacturers can only be made if the device requires specific hardware (i.e. scientific instruments) where IU does not have a choice of supplier or there is a significant business need that cannot be met by one of IU’s existing partners. These purchases are rare and require documentation and collaboration between UITS and Purchasing.
More information about the standardization effort can be found in the Knowledge Base. Still have questions? Contact Purchasing using the Support Form.