CaTS Purchasing Guides

Frequently Asked Questions
Purchasing Guides information for university departments, labs and offices
For personal/home purchase information, go to the Personal Purchase Guides

Hot Topics
Getting Starting
Ordering is Simple Student & Staff Discounts Used or Refurbished Backups Are Important Call Before You Move	Upgrades are Easy! CECS is Special Equipment Disposal Let's Talk About It

Getting Started
CaTS manages purchasing agreements for computer hardware and licensing contracts for software with a number of companies to optimize the university's investment in information technology.

Information about CaTS recommended hardware and software is listed at this web site, www.wright.edu/cats/purchase and includes Express Order Sheets, links to online stores and vendor contacts.

CaTS also offers consulting services to assist departments in selecting the right equipment to meet their needs. If you would like to arrange a consultation, please contact Verne Smith at campus extension 4031 or the CaTS Help Desk at extension 4827.

You may wish to review our Equipment Guidelines to ensure that your existing computer systems meet minimum recommended hardware levels. In accordance with Wright Way Policy #5401, CaTS works in conjunction with the Purchasing Department to approve all computer purchases over $1,000. CaTS also coordinates with the Provost's Office and the University Technology Committee to set equipment guidelines and standards.

Ordering is Simple
Purchasing recommended products from one of our suggested vendors is fast and simple! In many cases, these vendors have online stores that you can use. We also maintain price lists and contact information at this site.

Orders under $1,000 can be placed with the recommended vendor using your WSU Pro Card (credit card.) Larger orders can be placed using the Banner Finance system. The Banner vendor ID numbers for individual companies are listed on the Express Order Sheets.

You do not need any approval forms from CaTS if you purchase a recommended product from a suggested vendor. However, if you select a non-supported product please contact Verne Smith at x4031 before placing your order.

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Student & Employee Discounts
WSU offers special discounts programs for students, faculty and staff of the university. For more information on these offers please visit the Student/Staff Discount Page.

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Used or Refurbished Equipment
Wright State does not recommend or support the purchase of used or refurbished equipment. The Purchasing department has the right to refuse to place orders for these items. Installation and support of used equipment may incur additional charges from CaTS.

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Backups Are Important
If you are planning to replace your existing computer or upgrade your operating system, it is important to read and understand the Campus Network Install Backup Policy.

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Call Before You Move
If you want to add a new computer to the Campus Network or make any changes to your connection, you must contact the CaTS Help Desk at extension 4827. The Help Desk will coordinate the installation or reconfiguration of your connection. Please do not attempt to do this work yourself.

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Upgrades are Easy!
Does your current computer need more memory or a larger hard drive? The WSU Electronic Shop is your source for all your upgrade needs. The E-Shop is conveniently located in 077 Brehm Lab and can also be reached by calling campus extension 2598 or by sending email to Steve Hayden.

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CECS is Special
Those in the College of Engineering & Computer Science that need assistance with orders can contact Doug Supp.

Important Note If you're in CECS and do not want the CaTS software bundle (Office, Novell, McAfee, etc.) please include the statement "Do Not Use WSU Image" on your order form.

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Equipment Disposal
Older equipment can be disposed of through the department of Excess and Surplus Property Management (ESPM) located in the receiving area in the basement of Allyn hall. However, before any system leaves the possession of the university, it should be wiped of any data and software owned by Wright State. The simplest method to accomplish this is to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. If you are unable to perform this task yourself, contact the CaTS Help Desk at extension 4827 to arrange for this service.

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Let's Talk About It!
If you have additional questions about your computer purchase, Verne Smith is available to answer your questions and to help take the mystery out of selecting the right system for you. You can contact Verne at extension 4031 or via email.

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