NETC08 session 1096

From Extension Collaborative Wiki

Session Name: SMARTcomputing: University-level Procurement
Session Number: 1096
Location: Bellamy
Day and Time: Thursday, 9:30 - 10:15 am
Format: Panel
Topic: Other
Level: Introductory

Session Abstract:

In 1999, Agriculture Information Technology (AgIT) began a leasing program for its direct users, including all county Extension offices. The lease program was designed to provide the highest computing power and reliability at least costs. Additionally, it was intended to provide a flat, annual fee that would enable county CES offices and Governments to plan accurately for computing expenditures.

Over time, discussions began with Purdue University and various units about creating a similar initiative at the university-level in 2006. The end result was the creation of SMARTcomputing. SMARTcomputing is a collaborative university-wide systems provisioning and management initiative intended to establish a program to better leverage technology resources for hardware and software and to reduce the total cost of ownership for systems procurement, provisioning, and management by standardizing platforms, configuration management, patch management, and software distribution.

Join us as we highlight SMARTcomputing's timeline, efforts and current status of the program which ordered its first machine in the summer of 2007. The discussion will also include details of AgIT's merge into the program, taking advantage of the 'buying power.'

Led By: Patrick Smoker, Department Head; Director, Purdue University/Agriculture Information Technology