FSE Computer Standards

Summary

The Fulton Schools of Engineering is adopting computer standards covering desktops, laptops, tablets, and monitors. Standardizing equipment will assist in reducing the cost of ownership of computing devices throughout their lifetime and provide better service to the Engineering user community. This equipment will be limited to certain Dell, Apple, Microsoft, and Android based devices, which meet the university’s security and environmental standards and are available to purchase through the university’s standard purchasing portals. There is room for exceptions, however, following the exceptions process and prior approval is required.

Purpose

This document outlines computer standards, procedures, and a replacement program for the Fulton Schools of Engineering. The goal is to meet the following:

• ASU ISO security encryption compliance initiatives
• Manage systems cost effectively using Engineering central management tools
• Leverage ASU economies of scale and volume purchasing power agreements
• Standardize on equipment for IT to support and service
• Streamline acquisition, inventory and deployment services
• Ensure that computing resources on campus are up to date
• Ensure integrity and stability of hardware installed on the ASU’s network
• Manageable processes and procedures for exceptions

Scope

The computer standards apply to ASU computing resources used for ASU business purposes, primarily by staff, faculty, student workers, and students within research and instructional labs. These resources are not limited to, but include:

• Desktops
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Monitors

Acquisition and Support (Imaging and Deployment)

The Schools of Engineering is responsible for maintaining an accurate inventory of all University computers in order to track computer assets and identify computer equipment slated for replacement in a way that supports resource and budget planning and gives priority in future replacement cycles to those computers not upgraded or replaced on the normal 3-5-year cycle due to funding limitations.

Schedule, coordinate, and execute the replacement process while complying with applicable rules and regulations for the acquisition and redeployment of the equipment involved in replacement activities.

Reduce the cost of ownership of computing devices through their lifetime by standardizing equipment. This minimizes the downtime for the customer due to initial configuration and future technical problems. Additionally, the amount of time spent working on the configuration of images decreases, allowing technicians the ability to focus on other technical issues.

Recommended Vendors, Models, and Standard Configurations

The following standard systems recommended:

• Dell – OptiPlex, Latitude, and Precision lines
• Apple – Mac mini, MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, iMac, iPad, and iPhone
• Microsoft – Surface, Surface Pro, and Surface Book

All models require a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 or higher chip to comply with ASU ACD 125 Policy specific to encryption.

All computers must meet the criteria set in the sustainable purchasing guidelines. More info can be found here.

Whenever there is a machine with two or more operating systems, one must be the primary operating system and the other operating systems must run as a virtual machine (VM). Dual-Boot is not an option.

Exceptions

In some circumstances, especially specific to research computing, higher-end systems might be required. The school’s information technology team will work with researchers to provide recommendations for high-end systems that might require increased CPU speed, additional memory, additional storage, and GPU compute capabilities.

If standard equipment does not meet a specific computer requirement, exceptions granted on an as-needed basis at the discretion of the IT Lead and School Director. Exceptions to the standard may include:

• Technical Justification – evaluated based on documented manufacturer’s technical requirements for hardware, software, and peripherals.
• Legal or other requirements – evaluated based on technical, cost, or other factors identified by the request initiator with approval as needed.

Purchasing Guidelines and Procedures

The school’s or unit business office is the sole authority for placing orders for IT hardware on behalf of ASU regardless of the source of funding. All IT hardware purchases must have full approval and authorization prior to requisitioning and inventoried prior to deployment.

Limitations of purchasing are as follows:

• No reimbursement for computing equipment is allowed
• Electronica Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT):
  • Monitors, printers, scanners, and televisions are EPEAT exempt.
  • Custom computers must meet EPEAT criteria.
• Cireson Asset Management System will track all Engineering Computer Assets
• If a Windows based PC connects to the ASU network, it is required to be joined to the Fulton Active Directory Domain and managed by Engineering SCCM Services.
• If a Linux based PC connects to the ASU network, it is required to be managed by Engineering Satellite (Red Hat) or Landscape (Ubuntu) Services and Engineering AWX Services.
• If a Mac connects to the ASU network, it is required to be managed by Jamf

Please contact your schools BOM for specific purchasing protocol or policy pertinent to your department.

Computer Replacement Program

The useful lives of computers and laptops are 4 – 5 years. Each school or department has custom guidelines, funding models, and procedures for a replacement schedule per their hardware procurement policies.

The Computer Replacement Program aims:

• Ensure that faculty and staff who use computing resources have access to a computer of sufficient capacity to support the fulfillment of their responsibilities.
• Ensure that appropriate computing resources are available in school instructional computing facilities.
• Implement standards for computing resources, increasing the supportability of the installed base of equipment.
• Maintain compatibility between computing systems and required applications.
• Streamline the specification, acquisition, and deployment of new equipment and re-deployment or disposal of old equipment.