Computing Consolidation Initiative

About

The Computing Consolidation Initiative (CCI) establishes standard configurations and purchasing agreements for desktop and notebook computers, including computer supplies and accessories that will provide the University with professional, business quality computers while achieving considerable cost and time savings.

Why Consider a Standard Configuration?

The Computing Consolidation Initiative (CCI) provides significant product cost savings to University staff and faculty. Additionally, utilizing standard configurations helps in the following ways:

  1. VALUE – By partnering with Preferred Providers (Dell and CDW-G) we can increase our purchasing power and lower overall computer purchasing costs. Selection of standard reliable and supportable professional business grade computers help us take full advantage of the competitive pricing negotiated for the computers that are already most frequently selected by our campus community.
  2. COMPATABILITY - The University works diligently with our technical teams to make professional business grade computer selections to best meet the computing requirements of the campus. These computers are tested for compatibility with our networks and are scalable for 3 to 5 years of operations on campus.
  3. TIME SAVINGS – By providing a concise list of standard configurations the best available pricing, the time and effort required for the shopping and ordering process should be greatly diminished. Since Dell can expect to receive orders for the standard configurations, lead time to receive the desktop or notebook should be reduced.
  4. SUPPORT - Fewer computer models makes it possible for IT support staff to promptly answer your questions and fix any problems that may arise. This ensures University staff and faculty receive efficient service when they experience problems, allowing them to get back to work as quickly as possible. Requesting direct supplier support is more efficient to help us better serve the user community. Finally, maintaining a history of IT-recommended configurations makes it easier to select new hardware, software, and peripherals that will work with your computer the first time, every time. And when you upgrade to a new computer, IT can get you up and running faster.
  5. SUPPORT COSTS – The initial cost of a computer is just part of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Cheaper, custom configured computers may save a little up front, but cost more in the end. TCO has a big impact on the campus community due to the hidden support costs caused by the amount of time it will take to setup, maintain, and repair a custom configured computer. This hidden overhead is costly to the university as it decreases the efficiency of IT support staff and the customers they support.

Announcements

Dell and CDW-G are Now Preferred Providers

Dell, Inc. and CDW Government, LLC (CDW-G) are the Preferred Providers of Information Technology Peripherals and Supplies.

By partnering with Preferred Providers Dell and CDW-G, we increase our purchasing power and lower overall computer purchasing costs. Selection of standard reliable and supportable professional business grade computers help us take full advantage of the competitive pricing negotiated for the computers that are already most frequently selected by our campus community.

Selecting Your PC

Selecting Your PC or Laptop

Please log onto the PantherExpress System and enter the Dell Punchout. The standard configurations are displayed on the landing page. For assistance, please contact Dell Sales representatives.

Consolidated Suppliers

SHI and Dell are existing University-wide Contracted Suppliers. The lists below refer to duplicate codes previously used in the PRISM system that have been consolidated under each respective name-code. See below (under SHI & Dell) for further details.

  • SHI
    SHI is the University-wide Contracted Supplier for Apple products and services. The SHI punch-out in the PantherExpress System will include the same products and services previously available directly through Apple. SHI provides the University with a discounted price on many Apple products.
  • Dell
    Dell is a University-wide Contracted Platinum Provider. All PRISM codes have been consolidated under one name/number. For all Dell orders, use the PantherExpress System Dell punchout or supplier name Dell Marketing LP, 103356.
  • GovConnection
    GovConnection is no longer a University-wide contracted supplier and is therefore no longer available through the PantherExpress System or PRISM.
  • Hewlett Packard Company
    Hewlett Packard is no longer a University-wide contracted supplier and is therefore no longer available through the PantherExpress System.
  • Lenovo
    Lenovo is no longer a University-wide contracted supplier and is therefore no longer available through the PantherExpress System or PRISM.
  • NewEgg
    All NewEgg codes in PRISM have been inactivated.
  • Sony
    All Sony codes in PRISM have been inactivated.
  • Tiger Direct
    All Tiger Direct codes in PRISM have been inactivated.

Software

Purchasing Software

There are many ways to obtain software for University computing needs however the following process should be considered to achieve the best value and ordering efficiency.  Specifically, the following purchasing choices are encouraged:

  • First consideration should be given to the University’s Software Distribution Services (SDS), managed by IT.
  • If the software is not available through SDS, next consider Preferred Provider CDW-G for “Click-Wrap”, “Shrink-Wrap” and Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software needs. Utilize the PantherExpress System for most efficient ordering.
  • Finally, consider alternative contracted or non-contracted suppliers and place an order through standard purchasing methods including the PantherExpress System or P-Card. Please note that ALL software purchases from non-contracted suppliers using the PantherExpress System MUST be made by the Purchasing Services Department in accordance with current University policy.

Changes to Software License Purchase Policy

Certain P-Cards can be opened for the purchase of “Click-Wrap”, “Click to Accept”, “Shrink Wrapped, and Monthly, Quarterly & Annual Subscription” software licenses. Get more Information about P-Cards

Contacts