• How do I determine if an item is Technology and needs to be submitted with an ITS purchase request?

This document outlines the criteria used to determine if an item is considered technology. Items that are considered technology must be submitted through an ITS Purchase Request.

• DSU Campus

Criteria for Determining if an Item is Technology

If the item meets at least one of the following criteria, it is considered technology. All technology purchases shall follow the ITS Procurement Process.

1. Data Storage and Processing - Does the item perform computing/processing or data storage?
2. Data Connectivity – Is it capable of connecting to DSU’s network, internet, or systems?
3. Computer Hardware and Peripherals
4. Software, Digital Services, etc.
5. Integrations - Does it integrate or exchange data with existing DSU systems?
6. ITS support needed? – Will ITS have to install, configure, or support it?
7. Special Categories
8. Not Technology *

Detail and Examples

1. Data Storage and Processing - Does the item perform computing/processing or data storage?
   1. Laptops, desktops, tablets, iPad, Raspberry Pi
   2. Phones, mobile devices
   3. Servers, firewalls, network switches, access points
   4. Hard drive, Flash/thumb drive, cloud storage
2. Data Connectivity – Is it capable of connecting to DSU’s network, Internet, or systems?
   1. Printers
   2. videoconferencing gear
   3. Internet of Things (IoT)
   4. Bluetooth
   5. computers, etc.
3. Computer Hardware and Peripherals - Capable of connecting to a computer? Is a computer component?
   1. Computer Hardware – RAM, hard drives, graphics cards, motherboards, etc.
   2. Digitally controlled accessories/peripherals
   3. Peripherals – computer monitors, mouse/keyboard, webcam, dock/hub, TVs, etc.
   4. Security dongles and authentication devices
4. Software, Digital Services, Digital Assets - Is it software, a cloud application, or a hosted platform?
   1. Includes software, Software as a Service (SaaS), web applications, selfhosted applications, etc.
   2. Domains, digital certificates, etc.
5. Integrations - Does it integrate or exchange data with existing DSU systems?
   1. (e.g., Banner, Slate, D2L, email, authentication)?
6. ITS support needed?
   1. If ITS may be called for setup, troubleshooting, or long-term support, it is technology.
7. Special Categories
   1. Drones
   2. Robots

Not Technology

These items are generally not considered technology but can still be considered technology if they meet the technology criteria. These items are not exempt.

1. Chargers, power cables, batteries
2. Cables – HDMI, USB, network, etc.
3. Cable adapters
4. Audio / video equipment

Exceptions

An exception can be requested and may be approved by the ITS CIO or designee.