Future strategic IT improvements for the University
29 Apr 2019
Information about the University's new End User Computing contract
As part of the IT Modernisation programme, on 25 April 2019, IT Services successfully entered into a contract with HCL Technologies Ltd to become our new strategic partner for The University of Manchester’s IT End-User Computing services – building a strategic and sustainable service that supports the digital aspirations for the University.
End-User Computing (EUC) is a term that refers to the technologies that staff and students use to perform their work. The major components are physical desktop computing, virtual desktop computing and mobile computing, each of which involves several different technologies.
While we currently have a high performing EUC service, we have challenges that we need to address to ensure that the service remains secure and supported into the future. IT Services at the University will work in partnership with HCL Technologies Ltd to create a service that fully exploits cloud-based technologies, such as Microsoft Office 365. IT Services will also work with HCL’s experts to fast track the delivery of new and innovative services to users.
HCL Technologies Ltd is one of the world’s largest IT service delivery companies and will work to create a service that supports the digital aspirations for the University. The service will be based on industry best practice and standards.
Malcolm Whitehouse, Chief Information Officer at The University of Manchester commented, “Securing this partnership with HCL Technologies is an important step in our journey of modernising IT at the University to ensure we create a world-leading ‘Digital University’. The End-user computing service will have a real impact on improving the lives of staff and students by allowing them access to the very latest technologies.”
“Establishing this key strategic partnership has been a real team effort across both IT Services and the rest of the University and I would like to thank all colleagues involved for their continued hard work and support.”
What will it mean for the rest of the University?
- State of the art robotics that will enable the IT Support Centre to deliver a much faster and efficient service, available 24 hours x 365 days.
- IT 'vending machines', which will allow access to replacement IT through an easy to use vending machine system.
- Advanced analytics and effective trouble-shooting which will allow proactive IT support by identifying potential issues earlier and resolving them, resulting in improved levels of service and reliability.
- Effective self-help tools allowing staff and students to become more self-sufficient.
- Greater flexibility when selecting and paying for desktop and laptop devices.
- Automation of day-to-day services means IT staff will have more time to focus on addressing key strategic IT initiatives to support the needs of Teaching and Learning and Research.
For more information, contact the IT Modernisation team: