Judith MacFadyen Device Policy & Device Lifecycle Management
This article explains how the Device Lifecycle Management team is putting the new Device Policy into practice.
As introduced in my previous post, the University Executive Board (UEB) have adopted the Device Policy with effect from April 2024.
This policy states that Digital Technology Services (DTS) is responsible for the provision, allocation, utilisation and disposal of computer equipment across the University of Reading (UoR).
Much of this falls within the remit of the Device Lifecycle Management team.
Replacing old equipment
One of the most important provisions of the Device Policy is the introduction of standard University laptops, which can be provided free of charge by DTS. Staff who are not currently using a Microsoft Surface laptop which was purchased in 2020 or later (or a UoR issued MacBook ) should contact the Device Lifecycle team to discuss upgrading to the latest standard.
Providing laptops for new staff
If a new starter would have been allocated a non-Surface laptop (such as an HP or a Toshiba), a desktop (as their only device), or a pre 2020 Surface – the Device Lifecycle team can provide a free of charge UoR standard laptop as a replacement for that older device.
Lost, stolen or faulty devices
Staff whose UoR standard laptop is lost, stolen or becomes faulty will be provided with a replacement device from the stock held onsite at DTS. Note that a ticket with all the details of the incident must be logged with the IT Service Desk before a new device can be allocated.
Disposal, reuse and recycling
The Device Lifecycle team can advise on reuse, recycling and disposal of IT equipment.
Contact
If you have any questions or want to find out more about Device Lifecycle Management team, please raise a ticket with the IT Service Desk, or you can email us at device-lifecycle-dts@reading.ac.uk