Hardware Lifecycle Management

The scope of what is provided as part of this service includes the following for computers, network printers, mobile devices, and audio-visual equipment:

• Determining University standards for hardware configurations and pre-loaded software
• Providing consultative input for the procurement of non-standard or specialized hardware
• Vendor management which includes negotiating for best value during the procurement process, selecting the preferred provider, obtaining quotes, and placing the orders for hardware that is supported by ITS 
• Planning associated with the logistics of scheduled upgrades and replacements (or as may be required) including the transfer of data (if needed)
• Preparing annual budgets for new and upgraded replacements that are purchased using funds from the annual ITS budget allocation
• Coordinating the configuration and distribution of university owned hardware that is supported by ITS
• Loaning hardware for temporary use for a pre-determined amount of time
• Asset management throughout the lifecycle of the hardware including its status; new, configured, added to inventory, reserved, awaiting pickup, in use, on loan, on repair, pre-retired, retired, disposed, missing, or stolen
• Recycling of surplus hardware that has been decommissioned and is no longer of use

Note:  This service does not include inventory control or maintaining an inventory management system of record due to the necessity of the generally accepted best practice of separation of duties.

Faculty, Staff and Students (Laptop Recommendations and Loaners Only)

• Financial and Environmental Stewardship
• Compliance with Generally Accepted Best Practices, Statutory Obligations, and Audit Standards
• Greater Operational Efficiency  
• Proactive Service Management

All hardware must be procured by the University and supported by ITS to be eligible for this service.

Click on “Request Assistance” from this web page to provide us with some basic information about your unmet or anticipated need and then submit your request.

• Policy on Provisioning Computers and Related Support Services to Faculty and Staff
• Framingham State University Fixed Asset Policy
• Framingham State University Policy on Tracking Devices with Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Within three business days, someone from Information Technology Services (ITS) will respond to your request. Depending on purchasing requirements, a target fulfillment date will be set between two and three weeks out from the initial request. For some requests, hardware may be borrowed as a workaround if what is needed is also available to loan out temporarily.