Steps You Can Take
UW-IT provides information and technology services and can assist you with service contract negotiations, license consolidation and shared services. Let us help reduce IT costs for your unit through the range of opportunities described below. Please reach out here for consultation on any of these topics.
Software for Individuals
If you currently purchase software externally for your unit:
- The same software may be available for reduced or no cost through an enterprise or bulk license provided by UW-IT – see the UWare catalog.
- UW-IT provides a wide range of services in support of students, faculty, and staff across the University – see UW-IT Service Catalog.
- By reviewing your procurement data and asking your users, you may be able to find software expenditures you no longer use or need.
Team Productivity Tools
If you purchase applications externally for document management, collaboration, or similar uses:
- You may find comparable, effective tools within productivity platforms at no additional cost to you, such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. The UW-IT Communication & Collaboration catalog has many options for your teams to consider.
- You may be able to help identify a shared service that could be provided centrally to reduce your costs. Reach out here for help identifying these opportunities.
Hardware
If you are considering purchasing or replacing essential hardware:
- For laptops, desktops, and peripherals, central procurement sites usually provide the best value options. Work with your procurement team member or local administrator.
- For servers, central managed servers, and cloud options may offer both lower cost and better maintainability and security. The UW-IT Servers & Infrastructure catalog is a great starting place to see what is available.
Business Systems
If you currently operate and support a business system (such as an application for financial management or human resource management):
- Existing central systems may provide functionality sufficient to meet your needs
- You and other units with similar needs may be able to help identify a shared service that could be provided centrally to reduce your costs – please use this form to suggest.
IT Staffing
If your unit provide some IT services locally, and especially if you are faced with vacancies in your IT team:
- Existing shared services may be able to reduce your need for some kinds of local IT staffing
- You and other units with similar needs may be able to identify a shared service that could be provided centrally to reduce your costs – please use this form to suggest.
What the UW is Doing
In January 2025, the Executive Office initiated the Together We Thrive program to put the University on a path to reduce expenses, increase revenues, and focus on operational and administrative alignment opportunities to improve the UW’s long-term financial health.
In January 2024, the Executive Office charged the Information & Technology Governance structure to define shared information technology goals, strategies, and services and prioritize resourcing and funding of shared IT services. I&T Governance has made several decisions about shared services (see Governance Decisions) and is actively pursuing opportunities for consolidation. To submit an idea to governance, visit this page.
APS 2.3 requires all IT acquisitions to be reviewed by the Chief Information Officer and to use the University governance process in order to avoid duplication of institutional resources, ensure high value, and mitigate risk. The Vice President for UW-IT and CIO has established the IT Sourcing process to review major IT projects to ensure good stewardship for the UW.
Read more about UW’s Information Technology strategy.