New Computer Recommendations – Apple & Lenovo

in News
May 1st, 2011

Information Services & Technology (IS&T), in close cooperation with Sourcing & Procurement, is pleased to announce Boston University’s first PC bulk buy initiative.  After a thorough selection process, Lenovo has been chosen as our preferred vendor for Windows-based laptops, desktops, and workstations. 

How to Participate

You can view the IS&T Recommended Standard Configurations by going to the following link:

www.bu.edu/sourcing/computers or visit BUMC IT’s Computer Recommendations Page

Instructions on how to submit a requisition to Sourcing & Procurement with your choices can also be found here.  The deadline to participate in the bulk buy is Friday, May 20th.

Don’t forget to consult with BUMC IT before ordering.

Why Lenovo?

A PC Standards working group, comprised of staff from both administrative and academic areas, was formed under the direction of the Support & Infrastructure Governance Committee.  The working group chose Lenovo based on a number of key criteria.

  • Cost: by selecting a single PC vendor, the University will see savings of over 25% off standard educational prices, and over 40% off retail list prices.
  • Quality: the Lenovo ThinkPad, ThinkCentre, and ThinkStation product lines are award winning systems highly regarded by IT professionals for their build quality, ease of service, and durability.
  • Sustainability: our ThinkPad, ThinkCentre, and ThinkStation standard configurations are all ENERGY STAR-compliant and EPEAT Gold certified.

Lenovo – An industrial strength PC offered to Boston University at a consumer price!

Are Standard Configurations Required for all Technology Purchases?

Adopting desktop and laptop standards is a key part of the University’s overall strategy for updating technology, improving support, and lowering costs. Therefore all desktop, laptop, and workstation purchases by administrative units must adhere to the Lenovo or Apple standard configurations.  Exceptions require a business justification with approval from the unit financial administrator.

Purchasing Lenovo or Apple standard configurations is recommended but not required for academic units.  It was a high priority of the working group to ensure the standards initiative included great benefits for the academic community.  Standard configurations save money on new institutional purchases by leveraging the buying power of the entire University.  Additionally, standardization lowers the total cost of ownership through reduced support costs and encourages collaboration and efficiency between all BU IT support staff.