CFAES IT Transformation

As part of the agreement with OCIO, existing computers will be refreshed every four years. This refresh program will kick off in a few months. In the meantime, the purchasing of new computers is for individuals who have devices that are unusable to effectively do their job or for new employees.

There is a new standard process for purchasing computers and other technology equipment for all CFAES departments and units. This includes equipment purchased with grant funds.

If you need to purchase computers or other IT-related items, please contact the IT Service Desk. You can contact it through the following methods:

• Submit a Work Request through https://cfaesits.osu.edu(link is external)
• E-mail CFAES-HelpDesk@osu.edu
• Call 614-514-IT4U (4848)

You should NOT submit an eRequest or purchase the equipment directly. The IT Service Desk team will work with you to determine specific requirements and find the best option. Based on the joint determination, the IT team will initiate the purchasing transaction. One exception in this process is for software that is available through the OCIO on the following website: http://ocio.osu.edu/software/directory(link is external). If you want a paid site licensed software that is available on the website, such as SigmaPlot or NVivo, you may request it directly from OCIO as before and pay through a regular eRequest. 

Please note that some items are NOT covered by the refresh program. Examples include iPads, software, and some services. The IT Service Desk will work with you to order these items. They will be paid for by your department/unit and billed to your chart fields.

BuckeyeBox is an easy way to store and share files and folders in the cloud. Box is accessible from anywhere, on any device and can be used to contain some Institutional Data classified as S4. For more information on BuckeyeBox, including links to overviews and training videos about the different features, visit http://ocio.osu.edu/KB05324.

A: Box adheres to the highest industry standards for security at every level and commits extensive resources to the design, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of its security infrastructure, including:

• Data encryption
• Administrative auditing
• Role-based access controls
• Password and time-based file sharing
• Backup/Replication/Disaster Recovery
• Data center availability/physical security/environmental controls
• Plus additional controls/protections

Additionally, all files are encrypted and stored on servers in the United States. Redundant encrypted copies of the files are stored as backups on servers at a different geographical location in the United States. Per the Internet2 NET+ contract with Box, data stored in Box, including user information, cannot be "data mined", nor may it be shared with any third party.

For more information about BuckeyeBox and security, including the types of data that can be saved, visit http://ocio.osu.edu/KB04620.

A device "refresh" happens when aged equipment is replaced to reduce security risks and to comply with University policies. A 4-year refresh cycle means that as a part of this IT partnership, CFAES has committed to funding a rolling replacement of 4-year old workstations with new devices, ensuring the College has an updated, supported, consistent computing environment. The replacement computers will be paid for by OCIO using SLA funds from the College. As the time for replacement approaches, IT staff will work with you to confirm and identify the needs of your replacement system(s), prepare the new computers, and get them installed. 

Yes. There will also be locations for walk-in help from which we can dispatch desktop and classroom support in various locations.

All computers will be on a 4-year refresh cycle. Macs are fully supported.

We need to work together to see what you do, what partnerships you already have, and what partnerships we can bring. How can we simplify to make sure we aren’t reinventing the wheel in each area? We also know that we need last mile connectivity. We think that through partnering with the State of Ohio we can leverage relationships to improve service. We hope that we can amplify each other’s voices to improve service overall.