Workstation Replacement Program updates computers
IT Systems replaced computers for 40 departments around campus over the summer as a part of the Workstation Replacement Program (WRP) for 2012.
Morgan Adams, projects manager for IT Systems, said that IT updates the computers in order to maintain Lee’s technological relevancy and maintain cost effectiveness.
“We do that to keep computers up to date, keep software up to date; they’re easier to service if they’re all the same… [They’re] cheaper to keep in warranty” Adams said.
This summer is only the first phase of WRP 2012. This phase has 142 new computers coming in, eight of which are Apple products. Adams said that he expects at least one more phase in the process this year due to additional hired staff or faculty. Phase Two will be on a much smaller scale.
The process began in February with the IT Systems department requesting quotes from various leasing agencies. From there, IT Systems chose a provider, ordered the computers, and will have finished replacing machines across campus by the end of May.
Adams revealed that this year’s replacement is a small one; next year Lee will be replacing almost 350 different computers.
Lee leases the computers from an agency rather than buying them outright, and replaces them every four years. In addition to the replaced computers, departments are allowed to use budgets to purchase additional computers if they see a justified need.