1. A Central PC Service for the Collegiate University
In early 2011 the ICT Support Team undertook market research to investigate the demand and requirements for a Central
PC Service.
1.1. The Benefits of a Central PC Service
The ICT Support team has developed the capability to manage large numbers of PCs
(desktop and laptop computers), using modern centralised tools and processes.
This approach has been used to successfully manage over 2,500 University computers and
has proven:
- to be efficient
- to reduce the cost of device management
- to free technical staff from repetitive and time consuming manual duties
This capability has simplified and standardised the purchase, set up,
deployment, security, software, upgrades and disposal of computers.
The capability has already proved successful within UAS, OUCS and the
Bodleian Libraries and it could simplify PC management within other departments, colleges
or faculties of the University.
With this in mind, the ICT Support Team hoped to investigate the demand for a centrally
provided PC service within the wider University.
1.2. Market Research Activity, 2011
The ICT Support Team commissioned a six month market research activity to determine:
- whether units of the collegiate University want a Central PC Service provided by the ICT Support Team;
- what the requirements of such a Central PC Service would be; and
- the charging model administered for the service
If there is sufficient interest in the service, further work and discussion
would be required before the service is ready for use.
Supporting document:
Market Research Proposal [PDF 125 KB]
Supporting document:
Market Research Terms of Reference [PDF 112 KB]
Supporting document:
Report on Market Research activity [PDF 490 KB]
Supporting document:
Report on existing Windows PC management [PDF 334 KB]
1.3. Steering Group and Consultation Group
The market research was driven by a Steering Group representing the
interests of departments, academics, students and IT staff.
The Steering Group developed a survey to
investigate the demand, requirements and costings for a centrally
provided PC Service.
The results of the survey were analysed by the Steering Group and were used to shape
a report which includes:
- recommendations regarding the demand for the service
- high level requirements
- a cost benefits analysis
- acceptable costs
The report was published in June 2011:
Report on Market Research activity [PDF 490 KB]
Further details on the Steering Group, including meeting dates and membership,
are available: Steering Group.
The Steering Group was supported by a Consultation Group; further information on this group
is available: Consultation Group.
1.4. The Survey
This survey aimed to measure the level of interest in a centrally provided Windows PC service
for the wider collegiate University and to determine how Windows PCs are currently supported.
It was the first part of a consultative exercise which would be followed by interviews to
establish detailed requirements for the proposed service amongst interested parties.
The survey was specifically aimed at Heads of Departments, IT Managers, Chairs of IT
Committees, Administrators and Bursars, but members of the University were encouraged
to send the survey link to others in their unit.
The survey opened on 9th February and closed on the 25th February. It took
less than 10 minutes to complete.
The survey
was accessed online.
Supporting document:
Central Windows PC Survey [PDF 66 KB]
1.5. Schedule of Events
- Nov 2010 - Form Steering Group and Consultation Group
- Nov 2010 - Meeting 1 of the Steering Group, shape the survey
- Dec 2010 - Work on a first draft of the survey
- Jan 2011 - Circulate drafts of the survey to Steering Group and Consultation Group
- Jan 2011 - Meeting 2 of the Steering Group, further shaping of the survey
- Jan 2011 - Pilot the survey with the Steering Group and the Consultation Group
- Feb 2011 - Launch the survey
- Feb 2011 - Meeting 3 of the Steering Group, interim report on responses
- Feb 2011 - Close survey and document responses
- Mar 2011 - Draw up statistical data and plan presentation to the Steering Group
- Mar 2011 - Meeting 4 of the Steering Group, analyse the responses
- Apr 2011 - Draft report based on analysis
- Apr 2011 - Circulate draft report to the Steering Group and Consultative Group
- May 2011 - Finalise report and decide next steps
- Jun 2011 - Submit report to the PRAC ICT Sub-committee
- Jun 2011 - Publish the report within the collegiate University
1.6. Contact Us
If you would like further information on the centrally provided PC Service, please contact
our project manager, Miranda Llewellyn: miranda.llewellyn@odit.ox.ac.uk
5 November 2010. Miranda Llewellyn.
