Desktop OS Strategy
The computing environment at Old Dominion University is highly integrated and increasingly complicated. A change in technology for a single system usually requires a review of other systems to determine changes that may be required to maintain services. In order to fulfill our commitment to deliver the highest quality computing, information processing, and telecommunications services, consistency in hardware and software systems across the environment is vital.
Providing standardized systems allows for centralized support functions through management services and remote access. Standardization also enables the University to use its purchasing power to provide the best technology at the lowest possible costs with the quickest implementation. Conversely, standardization can hinder specialized projects where hardware and software needs extend beyond the norm.
OCCS has developed plans to provide for consistency in hardware and software available. Current desktop replacement recommendations provide for a continual refresh of technology to maximize availability and minimize support issues.
In the software area, OCCS provides the basic tools needed by the campus. These include the availability of McAfee, XWin 32, SAS, SPSS and a variety of other applications used throughout the campus. This type of coordination with the rest of the campus will continue into the future and expand/change as the campus requirements change.
Microsoft is upgrading operating systems at a rate of once every 3 years on each platform (desktops/servers). In a university environment, it can take 6-8 months to test and develop an installation plan for a new OS and up to 4 - 5 years to cycle through the University community. Because these refresh schedules do not match, there is significant overlap of older versus newer technology.
Windows NT 4 was originally deployed in 1998 and Windows 2000 Pro was deployed in 2001. Deployment of Windows XP Pro began in January 2005, with support for Windows NT4 being dropped off on June 1, 2005. Currently a deployment of Microsoft Vista Business Enterprise is scheduled for deployment on 1 September 2008 with University support for Windows 2000 Pro being discontinued on 1 March 2009.
The implementation of Windows Vista Business for the University will include the implementation of many new features such as on campus license key management, laptop disk encryption, built in provisions for hearing and visually disabled individuals, and many others.
Once the operating system is released, test platforms will be setup to establish baselines for installation and support on the University.