DoIT Departmental Tech Support-Node Rate FAQ

A node is an endpoint that requires end-to-end IT support. A node rate is a monthly charge to supported departments that covers the cost to provide end-to-end IT support for a node, based on the particular node type.

The node rate includes all the services provided through the Departmental Tech Support service. 

The core node is the basic hardware that every employee needs to do their job. This includes desktops or laptops plus a dock, if applicable, and attached peripherals: monitors, keyboards and mice. In addition to core nodes, node rates are determined based on the particular node type (hybrid meeting room, Visix digital signage, or tablet).

• Core node: $734 (1.1% increase from FY26)
• Hybrid meeting room node: $730 (0.7% increase from FY26)
• Visix digital signage node: $200 (no change)
• Tablet node: $30 (no change)
• Line of Business node: $200 (no change)

Yes. These would be considered a core node because when those computers are needed, the expectation is that they work. For those to be functional, available, and up to date with security and software, they need to be managed. As an alternative option for spare laptops, we also offer a check out option when needed. The service includes the ability to check out a computer for this purpose instead of contract partners maintaining a large supply of spare equipment. Checkouts would be no cost to you and are available for a short-term loan (up to 4 weeks). 

Yes. These would be considered a core node because when those computers are needed, the expectation is that they work. For those to be functional, available, and up to date with security and software, they need to be managed. 

Visix is a system that provides digital signs on large displays. The cost of Visix support is covered with the Visix node rate. The cost for the device and license is a separate charge.

Tablets and other mobile devices like phones are charged a tablet node rate if they require support from Departmental Tech Support. Support is defined multiple ways, such as registered with our endpoint management system, controlling applications available on them, and having the ability to contact DoIT with support-related questions.

You can review the full scope of the service here on the hybrid meeting room service page.

The core node rate is recalculated each year to recover the actual cost to deliver support to all customers. This cost accounting calculation is based on the total cost to provide IT support services for the nodes divided by the total number of supported nodes owned by supported departments. The total number of supported nodes each fiscal year will be determined by calculating the average number of nodes reporting to our endpoint management systems each quarter of the previous fiscal year. 

The total number of supported nodes each fiscal year will be determined by calculating the average number of nodes reporting to our endpoint management systems. Inventory counts are taken 4 times throughout the year. 

Example node count:

In this example, the supported department has 51 core nodes (assuming this example department only has core nodes). The number of nodes (51) in this example was established by calculating an average based on inventory data from 4 different quarters.

• Q1 Nodes reporting         50
• Q2 Nodes reporting         47
• Q3 Nodes reporting         53
• Q4 Nodes reporting         54

                          Average         51

Once the total number of supported nodes has been determined, the node rate is set each year. DoIT is targeting having this completed before the budgeting cycle each fiscal year. Counts and rates will be shared with departments annually for budget planning. 

Departments will be billed monthly with a consistent monthly cost throughout the fiscal year. The monthly cost is determined by taking the annual rate divided by 12. Any surplus or deficit generated by the service will be applied to the rate each year.

Yes. DoIT will provide the cost at the supervisory organization and cost center level requested by each contract partner.

You will be provided with an inventory each quarter which will include the: computer name, model, purchase date, assigned user, and workday information for the user it is assigned to.

Not yet. DoIT is upgrading their inventory system with the goal of being able to provide read only access in the future.

We are both responsible. DoIT is responsible for tracking hardware assets assuming the assets were purchased using the process provided as part of the support you have with us. Contract partners are responsible for making DoIT aware of any changes. Using the Departmental Support portal, contract partners can request a new device, decommission old assets, or reassign them to other employees. Please see the FAQs below about purchasing hardware and software which provides more detail on this service.  

The equipment purchased is paid for up front by the contract partner and the contract partner owns all of their equipment. 

DoIT will oversee the procurement, purchasing, deployment and management of the equipment.

Yes, if you would like to designate a purchaser, please reach out to DoIT Departmental Support.

For software needs, departments pay for non-standard software licenses. DoIT will assist contract partners with determining what software needs to be purchased and contract partners will complete the purchase themselves. DoIT will then assist with the software installation.

Examples of this type of software include: Think-Cell, MS Visio, MS Project, etc.

If you need software that is not installed with the base computer, a request can be made for that software using the Departmental Support portal. DoIT will determine if the requested software is available in the Campus Software Library.

• If it is, DoIT will install the software.
• If it is not, the software will need to be purchased.
  • Some software can be purchased by DoIT on your behalf and billed to the funding string of your choice.
  • Some software will require that you work with your local purchasing team. If you need to work with your local purchasing team, DoIT will install the software after it has been purchased.

Examples of software that DoIT can purchase on your behalf included: Microsoft Visio and Microsoft Project.

When you select Purchase a Workstation on the Departmental Support portal, there is an option for a Custom Computer request. Please add your needs in the Additional Comments text box.

Please review the devices recommended for replacement in your quarterly inventory. We will work with you on bulk purchasing. Individual submissions are not required.

DoIT will recommend when existing equipment needs to be replaced based on the standard computer lifecycle of 5 years. The contract partner will determine when to replace computers in collaboration with DoIT. DoIT will purchase, image and deploy the equipment, and the contract partner will be billed for that device.

While it is allowable, doing so would impact our ability to properly maintain your inventories which could result in paying for a node that you no longer have. The inventory and decommission process is part of the service we provide and is an important step in maintaining accurate inventories. If you have a computer that you would like to decommission, please fill out the “Decommission a Computer” form on the Departmental Support portal.

Devices need to be properly decommissioned to ensure that no personal data is inadvertently given to others. Campus has policies and procedures that can be found on the SWAP policy and procedures website. The inventory and decommission process is part of the service we provide and is an important step in maintaining both accurate inventories and security on devices.

A customer service liaison is not included in the standard Departmental Tech Support Service. Your division or department will not have a single technician assigned. Instead, Departmental Support technicians can provide support to all of our contract partners. We also have primary technicians who are more familiar with your division or department's organization, specific technical needs, and inventory lifecycles. There are options to pay additional fees for dedicated liaisons.

DoIT will fully manage all aspects of inventory, lifecycle, software deployment, security, and patching.