Minimum Workstation and Software Site License Subcommittee Minutes

 

March 20, 2008
Meeting in AH-1120 at 10 a.m.
Diana Osborn, Chair

SPSS
Celia stated that users are having problems (of many variations) with version 16 on both the Windows and Mac platforms. Problems related to cutting and pasting data in variable view, licensing issues on laptops, and time change problems on some installs to name a few.

For those using Intel Mac platform, there is no other option on which version to use.  However for those using the Windows XP or Vista platform, Celia is recommending using version 15 with 2 patches and applying the hot fix.  Also keep in mind that 15 (on some installs) asked for the codes from the authenticating document long after the initial use of the codes.

ASAP Software Purchases
Per an email from Rich Pickett - There may be some confusion about obtaining discounted software from ASAP (our Microsoft software vendor).  The CSU discounted pricing agreement with Microsoft and ASAP is that only SDSU purchases are permitted.  Individuals cannot purchase software for use on their personal computers under this agreement.

Individuals can purchase home-use software from the SDSU Bookstore (Office, Windows, Visual Studio). The Bookstore may be able to help individuals with other software at reduced pricing.

In addition, there are different licensing conditions for single-user versus server-license Technet subscriptions.   Single-user licensing does not permit sharing of any software.  The server-license subscription can only be shared with others on the same server. The EULA can be found at:  http://www.microsoft.com/technet/abouttn/subscriptions/microsoft_software_license_terms.mspx .

Software, including games, installed on SDSU computer resources is governed by the SDSU Vulnerability Management Plan, CSU & SDSU Policies; as well as individual department/colleges/division requirements.  When in doubt contact the IT Manager for your area.

Don't place SDSU, or yourselves, at risk with violating software-licensing agreements.

Server 2003 Upgrades
Celia announced she had just generated 50 MAK keys for upgrades from server 2003 to 2008.  Departments with licenses purchased with software assurance should contact Celia, as she wants to take care of these first.

Celia has also requested 5000 Vista MAK keys recently.  She stated there are differences between KMS and MAK servers.  MAK servers have a proxy option that probably will allow remote installation, so you won't have to visit each machine.

Software List Considered for Volume/Site License
Diana stated that the numbers coming in from the MWSSLS members has been spotty at best.  The software still on the list for consideration are EndNote and Adobe Suite.  Discussion ensued:

•  EndNote - A year ago John Ross wrote a justification on the need for EndNote being an Academic Affairs/Colleges need (not just a Library issue).  Because it was not funded, discussion ensued on what can be done now.   It was suggested to have Faculty, who see this as a need (critical/central to their mission), talk to their deans about Academic Affairs funding the purchase.  Diana will obtain a more recent quote for John Ross.

•  Adobe Suite - Early on the Chancellor's Office put together a proposal for the CSU system to obtain Acrobat 8 Prof., but SDSU did not participate as the price looked to be $38 each.  It turned out to be only $18 a copy.  Acrobat 8 Prof. is needed to meet the new ATI requirements on instructional materials.  Internal office documents using PDF as a format are not as critical and may be able to use a free product like cutePDF 2.7.   There is also a PRO version of cutePDF; Vista Ready but $50.   There were other issues mentioned:  Leopard OS and installation of the CS3 Suite is not straight forward, as Acrobat 8.0 Prof. has a problem that causes the other programs in the suite not to install.  Also, installation of the suite cannot be broken up and updates will happen for programs whether or not you've installed the whole suite.  The majority recommendations were don't install the suite unless you need all of the included programs.  It seems buying the programs individually works better for most.

Chancellor's Office Sponsored Macintosh Bulk Purchase
The recent release of the Keith Wandrey/ITAC email about the Chancellor's Office Sponsored Macintosh Bulk Purchase has lead to some confusion.  Aztec Shops is not involved in the coordination of the bulk order, but will continue to process Departmental orders for those not wishing to participate in the bulk ordering process.  We don't know if this is a single SDSU order or many individual SDSU departments order.  We do know that it is a 17% discount over the normal educational pricing from Aztec Shops and it is only for the products listed on the message's attached form.  Rich Pickett is discussing further details on this purchase with the SDSU Procurement Office.

Next Meeting
Next meeting will be April 17th at 10:00 am in AH-1120.

PLEASE NOTE: The statements found on the MWSSLS Home Page are for informational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that this information is up to date and accurate, official information can be found in the University publications.

Last modified on March 21, 2008
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