IT: Microsoft Campus Agreement Software Distribution Policy

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Microsoft Campus Agreement Software Distribution Policy


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DATE: 9/11/03
TO: All CMU Personnel
FROM: Robert Berry, Chief Technology Officer, Information Technology
RE: Microsoft Campus Agreement Software Distribution Policy

Policy
Due to increasing concerns from Microsoft over inappropriate software distribution and copying, the university is required to closely monitor the process by which its site-licensed software is administered. It is the responsibility of university technicians to maintain a reasonable level of oversight over the distribution and installation of all Microsoft site-licensed software.

Rationale
CMU is contractually obligated through the Microsoft Campus Agreement to maintain an acceptable level of oversight regarding the distribution and installation of its software applications. This policy provides a campus-wide framework for effective oversight of university-licensed Microsoft products.

Guidelines
Access to Microsoft products for on-campus use:
For security purposes, volume-license keys will no longer be provided to end-users. A volume-license key is a single key that allows multiple users to install duplicated copies of software applications on their individual computers. This means that duplicated, volume-licensed software will no longer be available to end-users for purchase or check-out through the IT Help Desk. Instead, volume-licensed software titles may be acquired through three methods:

Automated software installation through the Systems Management Server (SMS)
On-site installation through the user’s college or departmental technician
On-site installation through the IT Help Desk (work orders will be submitted to the IT PC Repair Group)

Access to Microsoft Products for 'Work-at-Home' Use
To ensure sufficient oversight of university-licensed software, users must purchase protected media through the IT Help Desk for work-at-home use. Unlike volume-licensed media, protected media makes use of a unique key for each copy. Upon installation, protected media must be registered with Microsoft prior to use. This change in media types will not affect the cost to the end-user.

For additional information about these distribution procedures, contact the IT Help Desk at 774-3662.