The version of the Microsoft Windows operating system currently selected as the University Corporate Desktop platform is Windows XP Professional. Windows XP was released in 2001 and implementation at the University began in 2002. Service Pack 3, released in 2008, is the final service pack for Windows XP; however Microsoft will continue to provide critical security updates and hotfixes until 8th April 2014.

The version of the Microsoft Office suite currently selected as the corporate office application solution is Office Professional 2003. Office 2003 was released in 2003 and implementation at the University began in 2004. Like with Windows XP, Microsoft will continue to provide critical security updates and hotfixes for Office 2003 until 8th April 2014.

Windows Vista and Office 2007 proved unpopular with both users and the industry as a whole and so did not see wide-scale adoption within the University.

Recognising the need to update the current desktop provision, ICT Services intends to deliver a flexible, centralised Windows 7 desktop incorporating Microsoft Office 2010 and other key applications to all users of ICT at the University of Lincoln.

We are also using this as an opportunity to review our desktop delivery mechanisms to explore solutions which could possibly facilitate things like location independent working and the concept of bring your own computer.

Following a series of stakeholder interviews and workshops the following objectives have be identified for the project:

Primary Objective

• To improve student and staff computing experience by providing a centralised desktop which based on the latest, fully supported software versions.

Other Objectives

• To provide mobile and remote access which supports location independent new ways of working
• To enable more efficient use of and a reduction in the need for office space
• To improve boot and login times
• To ensure systems are kept up to date without affecting system responsiveness
• To realise productivity savings for IT management due to a centralised environment
• To provide simple, fast login from open access areas
• To provide a road map towards infrastructure as a service and the ‘cloud’
• To improve information security;
  • Data should remain on site unless authorised to be removed
  • Communication between systems should be encrypted
• To support a wide range of devices including Apple Mac and iPad
• To support users bringing their own devices regardless of type (BYOC)
• To offer applications from a central catalogue tailored to the individual