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Frequently-Asked Questions About DCI For Departments
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Q: What are the benefits of the DCI program?
- A: Some of the benefits include:
- Reducing the acquisition and ongoing costs of desktop computing.
- Easing the burden of local support by providing greater consistency of hardware and software.
- Improving the sharing of electronic documents.
- Promoting faculty-student collaboration and the development of new instructional applications.
- Regularizing the budgeting for, and replacement of, desktop computers.
- Reducing the use of out-of-date computers.
- Advancing the University's mission by refocusing computing support from generic to higher value work.
- Providing departments and individuals with very competitive prices.
- DCI is not about getting the cheapest possible computer; rather it is about getting high quality business-line computers at highly discounted prices.
- DCI is not about getting cutting-edge technology or the fastest CPU. It is about getting stable high-end technology at a reasonable price that will be sufficient for most users for the next three to four years.
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Q: Why were Dell and Apple selected as DCI vendors?
- A: To address the desktop computing needs of the majority of faculty, staff, and students, the program includes PC and Apple computers. Dell and Apple were selected through a competitive bidding process managed by Procurement Services. A single PC vendor was selected to facilitate standardization and achieve substantial discounts.
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Q: What is the DCI program support cost?
- A: The DCI program is designed to provide standardized computers available to departments and individuals at competitive prices and with a variety of services. An important goal of the DCI program is to help lower the departmental costs of ongoing service and support. Included in the price of every DCI computer is a program support cost of $180. The program support cost covers a wide range of services; including image creation on many models, maintenance and support of the images, the financial and leasing infrastructure, high-level service and support programs, delivery, and on-grounds installation. The program support cost covers the actual costs of the program, and is not a traditional markup.
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Q: Why were the Dell Optiplex and Latitude product lines selected for DCI?
- A: Dell's business lines of computers, including the Optiplex line of desktops and the Latitude line of notebooks, were selected for their long product availability cycle, configuration and component stability, and highly serviceable design. Dell's Dimension and Inspiron lines change frequently and do not have consistency of components.
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Q: Whom do I contact for help with a DCI computer?
- A: Users experiencing problems with DCI systems should contact either the ITC Help Desk (924-3731) or their department's LSP or technical professional, depending on departmental policy. DCI Support
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Q: What about data migration?
- A: Migration of user files from existing to DCI computers is a critical step with characteristics unique to each department. For this reason, data migration is the responsibility of the department. The department's data migration needs and plans are reviewed during the planning process and stated in the Customer Agreement. To find out more about data migration issues and strategies, please consult the DCI Department Purchases: Data Migration page. Cavalier Computers also offers for-fee services to assist in data migration.
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Q: What happens to the proceeds from the surplus sale of DCI trade-in computers?
- A: The proceeds from the surplus sale of DCI trade-in computers are returned to the department unless otherwise stipulated by the appropriate Vice President.
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