Requests for Teaching Software 2008/2009

ISS provides over 500 applications on over 1,700 teaching (public) workstations across all University campuses. Each year around April, iSolutions invites all prospective tutors and staff users of these workstations to request software that they require for the session 2008-09. As in 2007, requests made in 2008 must go through appointed School Service Requester/Authorisers who will collate and submit requests on behalf of each School.

Timetable 2008-09

The timetable for this year's process is:

  • 18 April 2008: All requests must be received from Schools. Requests received after this date will not be considered for central funding.
  • Mid May 2008: Portfolio recommendations will be made to Schools based on requests received.
  • June 2008: Proposed new software and upgrades will be confirmed.
  • Jun-Aug 2008: Software will be installed by iSolutions and migrated to the test Windows cluster.
  • Jul-Sep 2008: Software will be migrated to all workstation clusters and tested thoroughly.
  • Sep 2008: Listings of the new software portfolio and installed locations will be published on the iSolutions website.

The PC Workstations and Operating System

The Index of Workstation Areas lists current workstation areas. All public workstations will continue to have the Windows XP operating system in the academic year 2008-09. The Workstation Configuration web page gives further information about this.

iSolutions constantly reviews hardware facilities. Please email ServiceLine@soton.ac.uk to give iSolutions feedback on the printing, scanning and storage facilities provided. Feedback will be considered when orders are placed for new hardware.

Requesting Software

Course tutors should send requests to the relevant School Services Requester/Authoriser. We recommend that you use the specially designed form to do this. Do not send requests to the ServiceLine.

Requester/Authorisers are appointed by Heads of Schools and are listed on the Software Authorisers web page.

Categories of Software

Software is supported at three levels.

Core software is purchased, installed and fully supported by iSolutions on behalf of the University. This software usually includes the operating system, office software, web browser and email client software. The latest versions of this software will be provided, subject to successful installation and testing. There is no need to request this software. If you have any comments about this software, please email ServiceLine@soton.ac.uk.

Common Software has been requested by more than one School. You are encouraged to collaborate with colleagues in other Schools in requesting common software. iSolutions will purchase and provide the latest available versions of this software. It will be started via shortcuts off the main programs menu. Primary user support will come from the relevant Schools as part of the students' academic courses with additional technical support from iSolutions. Common Software items have priority over School Software items.

School Software is subject-specific and is supported by designated staff within that School. iSolutions will purchase and install school software. It is made available to specified public workstation clusters and started via shortcuts under the Your School Software programs menu or via the Additional Software desktop icon.

All categories of software are monitored throughout the year to ensure that all purchased items are being fully utilised.

Professional Services

Professional Services may request software on the same basis as schools.

Workstation Bookings

PC workstations rooms and other teaching spaces may be booked through the Portal, using the Services tab and selecting Room Booking under Student Services. For further information please go to the Teaching Spaces web page.