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California State University, Chico

PC as a Service

The PC as a Service (PCaaS) program aims to provide Chico State with a flexible and scalable solution for centrally managing our fleet of IT-Managed computers. This program aims to modernize the University's desktop computing IT infrastructure, improve productivity, and reduce the total cost of ownership for computing devices.

By leasing PCs, we get financial flexibility, predictable PC refresh cycles, access to the latest technology and simplified streamlined IT management. The Office of the CIO/VPIT and IT Support Services (ITSS) will overlook this service.

What is the Scope?

The PCaaS program covers procurement, deployment and maintenance of both windows PC (desktops and laptops) from Dell and Mac devices (MacBooks. iMacs from Apple.) 

  • Objectives

    • Reduce total cost of ownership for computing devices by 10%-25% over 4 years
    • Implement a 4-year refresh cycle for all devices in the program
    • Achieve a 98% user satisfaction with provided computing equipment
    • Decrease IT support tickets related to hardware issues by 30%
    • Improve overall campus cybersecurity posture
    • Offer low touch onboarding process for users

  • Benefits

    • Cost Predictability: Fixed annual payments instead of large upfront capital expenditures
    • Regular Technology Refreshes: Ensures employees always have up-to-date hardware and software
    • Streamlined IT Management: Reduces the time spent by IT on procurement, deployment, and support
    • Enhanced Security: Easier to maintain current security patches and protocols across the fleet
    • Improved Productivity: Employees have access to the latest technological tools
    • Flexibility: Ability to scale up or down based on changing needs
    • Sustainability: Sustainable approaches to device lifecycle management, including asset recovery services and recycling

Program Criteria

A ITSS worker helps a student with their laptop.

What is included (and what is not included) as part of the program?

  • Only primary computers will be part of the program – One device per employee.
  • Computers will arrive pre-imaged from the vendor with the Chico State Base image
  • Non-State Side entities like Associated Students, CSE, PCE, Housing, Parking, Student Clubs/Organizations are not included in the program
  • Instructional Related Activity (IRA) programs like Athletics/Recreational Sports are not eligible
  • Tablets like iPads are not included in the program
  • Refresh cycle for a device received from PCaaS through this program is 4 years 
  • Accessories such as monitors, keyboards and mice will not be covered through the program. (docking stations are included as part of the program).

What is the criteria for selecting devices for refresh? 

  • Any department wanting to participate in the program must have a current inventory for all their computer assets
  • Selection of computers into the first year of the program will be based on the oldest computers (5 years and above)

Approach

DoIT will work with each Department, Division, and College to get their computer inventory and ensure accuracy based on their computer inventory list with following mandatory information: 

  • Department ID
  • Tag Number
  • Description
  • Manufacturer
  • Year purchased
  • Location
  • Custodian
  • Manager 

At the end of the pilot in July 2025 (FY2025), DoIT will have a comprehensive roadmap for replacing the remaining IT managed computer fleet for the University going forward.

Timeline

DoIT will be running a series of pilots for the next 6-9 months. The following areas will be affected: 

  • Student working on an animation in the computer lab.

    Academic Affairs

    • College Of Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA)
    • College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS)
    • College of Agriculture and Natural sciences (TBD upon completion of inventory)
    • DoIT Managed Labs
    • Classroom Technology Computers
  • Front desk setting of the health center.

    Administrative Units

    • Division of Information Technology (DoIT)
    • Student Affairs: Office of Admissions, EOP, WellCat Health Center
  • Laptop screen is visible on a desk while a person types.

    Strategic Deployments

    • All End-of-Life (EOL) PCs and Laptop to support Windows 11
    • All End-of-Life (EOL) MacBooks and iMacs

Contact Us

If you are interested in participating in the early adopter pilot of this program, please email ITSS at itss@csuchico.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Purchase the computer like you have always done, and we will account for it when we get around to implementing the PCaaS program for your department.

No. The program only provides one docking station per laptop. Your department will have to pay for any additional docking stations.

This program only covers replacement for your primary computer. At the discretion of your Dean you can keep your secondary computer; however, in order to continue to get the required support,  the DoIT highly recommends that you consider consolidating to one device like a laptop that you can take with you between home and the office so you can continue to receive security updates and support for your desktop computing needs.

What is included (and what is not included) as part of the program:

  • Only primary computers will be part of the program – One device per employee.
  • Computers will arrive pre-imaged from the vendor with the Chico State Base image
  • Non-State Side entities like Associated Students, CSE, PCE, Housing, Parking, Student Clubs/Organizations are not included in the program
  • Instructional Related Activity (IRA) programs like Athletics/Recreational Sports are not eligible
  • Tablets like iPads are not included in the program
  • Refresh cycle for a device received from PCaaS through this program is 4 years 
  • Accessories such as monitors, keyboards and mice will not be covered through the program. (docking stations are included as part of the program).

Criteria for selecting devices for refresh is as follows:

  • Any department wanting to participate in the program must have a current inventory for all their computer assets
  • Selection of computers into the first year of the program will be based on the oldest computers (5 years and above)