Drexel University Information Technology is committed to providing faculty and professional staff a secure, efficient, consistent, and supportive computing environment. By implementing a standard for computer lifecycle management, we ensure compatibility, support, security, and cost efficiency. These guidelines outline hardware standards, purchasing, management, replacement, and disposal of Drexel-owned computers.

Standard Hardware

Standardizing hardware helps lower the total cost-of-ownership across the University. Computers must be business-grade models from Drexel’s approved computer manufactures that meet the hardware specifications to run our supported operating systems.

Consumer-grade models are prohibited. Consumer-grade models are inexpensive at the time of purchase but have a higher total cost-of-ownership for support, management, and security.

For recommended hardware specifications contact your IT department or the Drexel IT desktop support team.

Approved Computer Manufacturers

Drexel has standardized on Dell, Microsoft, and Apple computers.

Exceptions

Exceptions must be approved by Drexel’s Information Security Office. Your IT department might also require review and approval for exceptions. To start an exception request, contact your IT department or the Drexel IT desktop support team.

Computer Lifecycle

Drexel IT recommends replacing computers every 5 years. This duration corresponds with industry benchmarks of usefulness for business purposes. Computers that don’t meet Drexel’s IT-8 policy requirements must be replaced.

Purchasing Computers

Computers must be purchased in SAP Ariba and orders should be placed through your IT department or the Drexel IT desktop support team.

• Dell computers should be purchased from our Dell catalog standard configurations in SAP Ariba.
  • Dell computers can also be purchased from CDW or Connection with IT approval.
• Microsoft Surface devices should be purchased from CDW or Connection in SAP Ariba.
• Apple computers (and iPads) must be purchased from CDW in SAP Ariba.

Warranties

Drexel IT recommends purchasing an extended warranty. Computers that are not under warranty might incur additional costs for parts and repairs and longer downtime if hardware issues occur.

Returning Computers

When you receive a new computer, your existing computer must be returned to your IT department or the Drexel IT desktop support team. Your IT department will determine if the computer meets Drexel’s IT-8 policy requirements and is suitable for reuse. Your IT department and your college/school or department will determine how to best reuse a returned computer.

If a faculty or professional staff member leaves Drexel, their computer must be returned.

Disposal of Computers

Proper disposal of a computer is an important part of the computer’s lifecycle. Computers can create information security risks and contain hazardous materials that harm the environment if not disposed of properly. Reuse, donate, or recycle your computer to help divert electronic waste from landfills and mitigate security risks and violations of software license agreements.

Computers must be removed from Drexel’s management systems and securely wiped to ensure institutional data and licensed software are removed, before donation or recycling.

Learn more about disposal of Drexel-owned computers