U.Va. initiative snags prize

The University has received a silver award for its Desktop Computing Initiative in the governor’s Information Technology competition’s higher education category.

DCI, implemented in summer 1999, solves maintenance problems by standardizing computer platforms and configurations used by faculty, staff and students. In this voluntary program, participants choose from several Apple and Dell hardware configurations, with preloaded software, installation and on-site service. Dell machines offer U.Va. site-licensed applications and Apples have software configuring to the University network.

The program reduces acquisition costs, eases support burdens, improves document sharing, fosters collaboration and stabilizes budget and computer replacement.

In the first year, 2,500 computers were installed in offices, labs and libraries and 1,237 machines in the second year. Last year, 1,200 first year students ordered DCI computers.