Software for staff

Introduction

iSolutions purchases and maintains a software portfolio of over 250 items for Windows staff workstations built to a standard University Desktop Environment (UDE). These items are centrally installed and categorised as either (i) computer assigned or (ii) user published. iSolutions stores media for these items in the Definitive Software Library (DSL) and maintains a record in the Windows Global Portfolio of Applications (GPA). iSolutions in addition assists with software installed locally at the user’s UDE workstation.

iSolutions also maintains a software download web site where bone fide staff and students may download software for use on university and personal non-UDE workstations.

Computer Assigned Software (CA software)

Computer Assigned software is centrally installed and is ready-to-use at the point of log-in to a UDE workstation. The software icon appears on the desktop; double clicking the icon executes the program.

User Published Software (UP software)

User Published software is centrally available but requires local installation by the user. To do this software, click on “Start”, “Control Panel”, “Add/Remove Programs” and then “Add New Programs”. Installation is carried out by double clicking on the relevant item on the resulting list. Once installed on a staff UDE workstation, the package is available subsequently at log-in.

Some items on the “Add New Programs” list are marked “Please Contact ServiceLine”. These may require payment, or special authorisation before installation can take place. Contact ServiceLine to inquire about conditions that apply.

Locally Installed Software

Locally Installed software is installed at the staff UDE workstation, using a disk in a local drive or executing an install routine (usually downloaded). Sometimes users install software locally themselves. In these cases local administrative rights must be assigned at the discretion of the local School/Department authoriser. Where iSolutions assist with local installation, iSolutions must remove and store the media used in the DSL.

iSolutions installs software locally unless there are over 30 UDE workstation users needing the software. If there is more than 30 staff needing software, then iSolutions centrally installs software (as either Computer Assigned or User Published).

School/Department Liaison

Each School/Department has a member of staff acting as Software Authoriser (http://www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/essentials/learnandteach/swauth.html). iSolutions Serviceline will accept a supporting email from the staff on this list as authorisation for any software request.

iSolutions has an Account Manager and an Account Liaison for each School/Department (http://www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/essentials/liaison/replist.html). These staff meet regularly with Schools/Departments to discuss services issues, including the provision of software.

The Definitive Software Library (DSL)

iSolutions maintains a definitive store of all the media (CDs and DVDs) of software installed on its systems. This store is known as the Definitive Software Library (DSL). The DSL also contains licenses and other important documents.

The Global Portfolio of Applications (Windows) - GPA

The Global Portfolio of Applications lists all computer assigned software and all user published software for all Schools/Departments. Changes to the GPA should be requested through Software Authorisers.

Dealing with Software Requests

iSolutions takes requests for software on UDE workstations from any member of staff who may also request on behalf of students. On receipt, iSolutions checks the GPA to see if the item is on the list.

  • If the item is on the list of the user’s School/Department, then iSolutions will deliver software as standard CA or UP software (see above).
  • If the item is not on the user’s School/Department list but is elsewhere on the GPA then iSolutions will add.
  • If the item is marked “Please Contact ServiceLine” then iSolutions will request conditions be met (e.g. payment) before software is delivered
  • If the item is not on the GPA then iSolutions will assist with technical and business review and recommend installation method (local or central).

Charging for Software

iSolutions takes requests for software, regardless of the method installation and delivery (central, local, download or direct delivery) and regardless of the workstation type (public workstation, staff UDE or staff non-UDE).

For site licensed products or network license managed products (e.g. available through the software download website), there is no charge at the point of delivery. For items that iSolutions must purchase, iSolutions charges are as follows.

Supported Schools

For software requests from academic schools, where a charge is involved, the cost is passed back to the school via an Agresso code.

Professional Services

For requests from professional service departments, where a charge is involved, the cost is passed back to the department via an Agresso code.

Unsupported Schools

For software requests from unsupported schools, where a charge is involved, the cost is passed back via an Agresso code plus a 5% surcharge to cover administration costs.

Public Workstations (Common Learning Spaces)

Requests for software on public workstations are also recharged back to Schools and Departments (without surcharge) except during the period of the “Request for Teaching Software” (normally April each year). During this period, invitations are invited against a central fund administered by iSolutions.