The California State University has finalized two technology agreements that will provide software and information technology training for students, faculty, and staff. A four-year licensing agreement with Microsoft Corporation and Wareforce, CSU's distributor of Microsoft software, will save the CSU an estimated $7 million. In addition, a three-year contract with CBT Systems will make 650 computer-based information technology courses available.
"These are the kind of agreements that will continue to be a major answer to how the CSU will provide the latest technology for our faculty, students, and staff," said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. "By working together, the system and all the campuses can maximize their buying power and offer more students and faculty options that otherwise would not be available."
The new four-year $8 million agreement with Microsoft provides software licenses for 30,000 faculty and staff and 180,000 students, which would meet needs determined by the CSU's Integrated Technology Strategy. The software packages include Microsoft Office Professional Ed., Microsoft Visual Studio Professional Ed., Microsoft BackOffice Client Access, and both Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Windows NT Workstation.
The agreement does not require Microsoft exclusivity on CSU campuses. The option to use any software is still available, but Microsoft Office products, already widely used on CSU campuses will likely be less expensive because of this agreement.
The $550,000 CBT Systems agreement will provide 650 computer-based information technology courses over the next three years. Courses include Web authoring and publishing, Internet applications and concepts, database technologies, desktop PC fundamentals, wireless LAN technologies, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Windows, and Netscape communications.
Other CSU technology agreements include the Ameritech Horizon library automation network among twenty-two campus library systems; Simon & Schuster and AT&T distance education programs for teachers; a collaboration with the California Community College system for licensing electronic information services such as Lexis-Nexis and Dow Jones; Microcadam's donation of engineering software; and a partnership with Warner Brothers to offer distance education courses in animation.
The CSU also uses volume discount pricing agreements with the University of California to obtain products such as furniture and scientific and laboratory supplies. In addition, the CSU and UC will save about $15.7 million in energy costs over the next four years through a volume agreement reached earlier this year with Enron Energy Services.
Vicky Banes,
Information Resources