One of the many challenges in supporting the use of computers and information technology in the Eshelman School of Pharmacy (ESOP) environment is standardizing, to the degree possible, the types of computing hardware. While this policy realizes that some individuals, divisions or departments will have needs that are not resolved by the recommended standards, it is important to acknowledge that adhering to standards will ultimately result in better service and faster resolution of problems. Computing in a network environment is complex; hardware and software configurations must be assessed carefully to ensure compatibility with the UNC/ESOP network. Saving a few dollars on an off-brand PC or personal printer will ultimately cost far more in staff support hours and possible additional purchases that may be needed to resolve issues.

Delivery; In order to maintain a proper inventory ALL Hardware purchases, regardless of vendor, must be delivered from the vendor to ITSOP (Beard Hall 109B) for set up and tagging. Hardware includes computers, laptops, printers, PDAs, smartphones and any appropriate peripheral.

Computer/Laptop Standards: ITSOP recommends that all computer/laptop purchases be made through the Carolina Computing Initiative- www.unc.edu\cci.  CCI aims to ensure that Carolina students, faculty and staff have easy access to high-quality and affordable technology and can use it effectively. Lenovo will be the supplier of CCI computers, laptops and accessories through 2010. CCI hardware comes with 3 or 4 year on-site warranties and all UNC technical support staff are Lenovo trained. New for laptops in 2008 is an all inclusive "Thinkpad Protection" warranty which includes damage due to accidental damage, spills and drops, any laptop ordered with ESOP funds will be required to have the "Thinkpad Protection Warranty"-  http://cci.unc.edu/insurancewarranty.html . UNC technical support personnel offer same day service for CCI hardware repairs that can not be resolved by ITSOP staff. You can find the current offerings of CCI computers laptops at: http://cci.unc.edu/browse.html.  Faculty/Staff may take advantage of CCI pricing to purchase personal computers, follow this link for more information: http://cci.unc.edu/ready-to-buy.html

At the present time the UNC Custom load includes: WindowsVista Enterprise, Microsoft Office 2007 Pro, Outlook 2003, Firefox and Thunderbird, Internet Explorer 7, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Symantec Anti-Virus, Oracle Calendar Client, Java Runtime Environment, Spybot Search and Destroy Spyware/Malware software. NOTE: Due to ongoing support issues with Windows Vista, ITSOP will install Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 3 on all new computers.

 Non CCI computer/laptop: In the event that a CCI computer or laptop does not meet individual, division or departmental requirements or needs, ITSOP will support non-CCI purchases as appropriate. It is recommended that anyone wishing to purchase a non-CCI computer or laptop be fully aware of the warranty repair agreement before making the purchase. Warranties of most computer companies require that a certified company technician make the repair or that the hardware is taken to a local service center. ITSOP will gladly consult with anyone needing assistance for a non-CCI purchase, please email itsop@unc.edu with the request. NOTE: The turnaround time on a non-CCI computer/laptop is affected by many factors and averages approximately 3-5 days longer than CCI computers.

Purchases: Non CCI computers and laptops, printers, software etc..… Non-CCI purchases sholuld be made through an approved State of North Carolina Vendor when possible. More information on approved vendors: http://www.doa.state.nc.us/pandc/  ITSOP recommends CDW-G for computer peripheral purchases.  

Off campus agreement: SOP employees make take hardware off campus with proper approval. Any hardware taken off campus must be used for UNC/SOP job related purposes. Before any hardware is taken off campus an off campus agreement form must be filled out completely, with all required signatures. The off campus agreement form can be found at: http://www.unc.edu/finance/busman/asm/asmapp1.pdf 

The completed form should be given to the SOP Facilities or IT manager. This form must also be renewed yearly.