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Standard Operating Environment (SOE)
Standard Operating Environment (SOE)
This web page has been developed as an informational source regarding La Trobe University's Standard Operating Environment (SOE) established in 2002. This site will be updated regularly with information regarding the SOE as it becomes available.
Some of the documentation referred to is in PDF (portable document format). If you do not already have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader installed please go to Adobe's web site for a quick download.
| General Information | Dell | Legacy Reference |
What is the SOE?
The Standard Operating Environment for personal computers is a hardware and software specification suitable for La Trobe University. It was developed by experts from all major areas of the University and agreed to by all Faculties and Administration. It is now a policy of the University that all personal computer purchases adhere to the SOE. It does not cover Apple computers, although the application set is intended to be consistent. Apple Computers are their own form of standard environment but are NOT supported by the University's core business systems. For this reason, SOE systems must be purchased to use with the University's core business systems.
The benefits of the SOE are not only in the initial purchase, but also in the total cost of ownership (i.e. simpler maintenance, management and support for computers during their entire life cycle).
Hardware
The hardware specification allows for up to three categories of personal computer, which establishes a range of systems which can be purchased for general purpose use. These are:
- A Tier 1 desktop PC
- A Tier 2 desktop PC
- A range of Tier 1 notebook products
The current SOE hardware vendor selected is Dell Australia supplying Tier 1 desktop PC's and Tier 1 notebook computers. The hardware specifications will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Purchases outside the SOE specification will need to be approved.
Software
ICT currently maintain an SOE image for Desktop PC's and notebook computers.
The SOE software includes the original drivers and special hardware applications supplied by the vendor as well as a standard operating system and standard software applications. The intention for the selection of SOE applications is to maximise the existing La Trobe University investment in the Microsoft/CAUDIT and other site licenses.
The base SOE image (which is developed and maintained by ICT) will contain the operating system, patches and automated methods for maintaining software revisions, anti-virus software, Microsoft Office and other software. This base image will satisfy approximately 80% of most requirements and will work for the majority of La Trobe University.
Specialised Software Images
If there is a requirement, a special computer image can be created. A special image will based upon the SOE image. A special image can include any special software required for an area. Special images are applicable where an area plans to purchase a quantity of computers within a short period. ICT have vender hardware available for viewing/review and SOE image maintenance.
ICT will store an image on an area's behalf and liaise with the selected hardware vendors. However each area that requires an image will be solely responsible for:
- Creation of the special image.
- All licensing for software not included in the SOE.
- Maintenance of the special image.
- Ensuring that the image is current (no older than 30 days behind the latest SOE image)
It is strongly recommended that special images are created with caution as they will require sustained technical support and expertise from within the respective area.
As a rule of thumb, if the base SOE image meets 80% of an area's computing requirements; it is simpler to configure the computers as necessary upon delivery.
Purchasing
There are on-line pricing schedules for Dell.
Please check the Procurement and Contracts web site for further information.
Need more information
Please forward all inquiries to soe@latrobe.edu.au.
