Hardware, Software, and Security Standards

These standards apply to all MET faculty and staff who use MET-owned technology for work. Standards follow Boston University IT and data security requirements.

Hardware

Standard Equipment: – One Windows laptop per full-time employee based on BU standards.
– Up to two monitors.
– Keyboard, mouse, webcam, headset or conference speaker, docking station, and required cables.
Macs: – Considered non-standard due to cost and security constraints.
– Allowed only as an approved exception with justification (Request Form).
Replacement: – Laptops are replaced every 4 years (unless otherwise noted).
– Other equipment is replaced as needed.
Non-standard Hardware: – Requires business justification and approval from the department head and MET IT (Request Form).
Personal Equipment: – MET IT does not support personal devices or unauthorized purchases.

Software

Standard Software: – MET IT maintains a list of approved, supported software on the MET IT Software page.

Non-standard Software

– Requires business justification and approval from the department head and MET IT (Request Form).

Updates

– Systems and applications are kept within vendor-supported versions and BU security policies.

Licensing and Compliance

– MET IT manages licenses for standard software and conducts regular audits to ensure compliance.

Purchasing and Assets

– All IT hardware and software purchases must go through MET IT.
– MET IT works with BU Procurement and IS&T for pricing and contracts.
– MET IT tracks equipment, warranties, and replacement schedules.

Security and Disposal

– All MET-managed systems must meet BU security standards.
– Equipment must be returned on the day it is replaced or retired.
– Users may purchase old laptops at 50% of the current market value.
– MET IT securely removes all data and BU-provided software before sale, reuse, or disposal.

Onboarding and Offboarding

New Hires: – MET IT provides hardware, software, and assists with accounts for all full-time employees.
– MET IT provides Technology Orientation.
Departing Employees: – Equipment collected on the last day in the office, access removed on the last day of employment.
Part-time and temporary staff: – MET IT provides Virtual Desktops for all part-time, temp, and student employees working remotely.
– Access info for Virtual Desktops is at https://www.bu.edu/metit/services/network/met-remote/.