Device Lifecycle
Background
DTS is committed to ensuring that the University’s computing estate is efficient, secure and cost-effective to maintain. Back in 2021, As part of the Strategic Foundations Programme Ways of Working pathway, a Smart Working Framework was developed by HR. The framework is aimed at contributing towards financial sustainability and increasing flexibility in the ways our University community delivers core services, with a specific focus on digital flexibility and efficient working.
Device Lifecycle Team
The Device Lifecycle team is the first point of contact for individuals or teams who need to replace old computer devices. We are responsible for providing and installing devices and peripherals most suitable for each role.
As part of Lifecycle management, we also advise and assist with disposal, reuse and recycling of equipment which has been replaced.
Who is in the Device Lifecycle Team?
The core of the Device Lifecycle team is a dedicated manager and engagement analyst to coordinate every aspect of the project and ensure support is available throughout the process with logistics and planning. Set-up is done by experienced user support technicians from our User Support team who configure, install and connect the new device, ensuring it has the full functionality required.
Devices in scope for replacement
- All desktops*
- Any laptop that is more than four years old
- Any laptop that no longer meets the specification for a hot-desking office environment or for the role
*Excludes desktops in PC Labs and devices provided locally for PhD students (both PGR and PGT) as these are arranged separately from staff computers.
Who can't we give a device to?
Device Lifecycle provides centrally funded devices for staff at the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, therefore we can't provide a device for:
- Undergraduate students: Lapsafe devices can be borrowed by undergraduate students.
- Postgraduate students (PGR and PhD): these must be funded by School or Department.
- Retired staff and Emeritus professors: these must be funded by School or Department (even if they are still doing the "odd hour" for the University)
If a student who is working through Campus Jobs needs a device as part of their role, their line manager should contact DTS to request this, giving details of the position so that the most appropriate device can be provided.
What do we supply?
Windows (default)
The Device Lifecycle team will provide a Microsoft Surface device1, a Surface docking station2 and any cables needed to set up your equipment in the office. We can also provide a soft fitted sleeve to protect the laptop. We expect that each desk will already have one external monitor, which we will connect to your new device. The Lifecycle programme does not provide a mouse, keyboard3 or headset but we will provide any cables necessary to connect these to your new device on campus.
1 This may be refurbished or new.
2 A Microsoft Surface dock is provided to connect the laptop to the wired network. Any dock or hub required for remote use must be purchased separately – see the list of compatible Windows peripherals under the IT Equipment Catalogue.
3 Where hot desks are being set up in shared areas, a wired mouse and keyboard will be provided for each desk.
Macs
For staff who are using a Mac desktop or laptop in scope for a replacement, and who do not want a Surface device, the Device Lifecycle team can offer a new MacBook Air as part of the programme. Note this is only for staff who currently use a Mac. If you are using a Windows machine and want to swap to a Mac, this would need to be done through the and paid for by the department.
List of compatible Mac peripherals available to purchase separately.
How it Works
The replacement process is a personalised deskside service that includes installing all the software you need, although you will be responsible for transferring any data (we suggest you move this to approved univer