Computing & software (including PWF)
Hardware Purchase Information
The Computing Service can assist members of the University with the purchase of personal computers and associated equipment by providing:
- Product and supplier information
- A selection of price lists from various suppliers
- A consultancy service for those requiring detailed advice before making a purchase
There is an abundance of computer suppliers and computer products available and in order to keep up to date we meet regularly with certain local and other dealers as well as manufacturers.
Many suppliers and manufacturers contact us with a view to selling to the University, not understanding the complex organisation of Cambridge University. To all potential suppliers we explain that products must be priced as low as possible, and must be of good quality and well supported in terms both of technical support and of hardware maintenance including supplies of spare parts. We also emphasise that despite being a decentralised organisation the University includes many well qualified individuals with good lines of communication. Information about bad or unsatisfactory products may quickly percolate through the organisation.
Departmental and College purchasers can also seek advice from Institution Strategy (e-mail institution-strategy@ucs.cam.ac.uk). This is especially advised when a number of machines are to be purchased or the purchase is of high value or high specification (e.g. a server).
For general hardware information the information sheet shown on the right is available from Computing Service Reception or online.
Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC) and National Agreements
The University is a member of the Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC) and is represented on the SUPC Computer Group by a member of the Computing Service. The SUPC gives the University access to agreements with computer suppliers and manufacturers offering a range of products and discounts. As part of an initiative lead by the Joint Procurement Policy and Strategy Group (JPPSG) the SUPC along with the other HE regional consortium jointly negotiate inter-regional or national contracts. As existing regional contracts expire they are likely to be replaced by national contracts. All contracts are awarded in accordance with the European Purchasing Directives. In addition all suppliers have to meet strict price, quality and support criteria; the contracts are closely managed and price lists issued regularly. Computing Service Sales can be contacted for up to date information. We recommend seeking a quotation from an SUPC or National contract supplier as being representative of the best prices available.
The following SUPC and National contracts are currently available for the following products:
- Audio Visual
- Personal Computers
- Servers and Storage
- Apple Macintosh
- Notebooks
- Computer Printers
- Hardware Maintenance
- Network Equipment
- Network Switches
For information on the individual contracts in place for IT Hardware, Software and Services and supplier contact details see the Central Purchasing Office Framework Contracts/Preferred Suppliers pages. A summary of all the ICT contract is also available.
Additional information is also available from Computing Service Reception or the SUPC web site.
Sales to Members' staff and students
Most of the above contracts allow for sales to staff and students on proof of association with an SUPC institution.
Other PC and Notebook Suppliers
The Computing Service also recommends seeking quotes from Avantek Computers Ltd.
For further information contact Computing Service Reception on (3)34695, e-mail reception@ucs.cam.ac.uk, or come to Computing Service Reception on Floor 2 of the Cockcroft Building in the New Museums Site.
The title of this document is:
University Computing Service: Hardware Purchase Information
URL:
http://www.cam.ac.uk/cs/compsoft/hwoverview.html