YSU announces new computer replacement program

A new computer replacement program at Youngstown State University is expected to save the university tens of thousands of dollars and help keep the more than 4,000 computers on campus consistently updated.

“In addition to reducing the university’s operating costs, this new program will reduce risk to the university’s information technology systems by ensuring that our entire computer inventory is up-to-date, less vulnerable to virus and other external threats, and fully supported by our staff,” said Jim Yukech, YSU associate vice president and chief information officer.

YSU has an inventory of 4,117 computers campus wide with an asset value of $4.83 million, Yukech said. In the past, university computers were replaced, or “refreshed,” as determined by each department or office on campus. Under the new system, started Sept. 3, all computer purchases are coordinated and procured centrally by YSU Information Technology Services on a 5- to 6-year replacement cycle.

Yukech said the university spends nearly $940,000 a year to replace computers. Under the new system, he said he expects those costs to drop to $684,000 a year, an annual savings of $254,000.

The new system is in response to the Governor’s Task Force on Efficiency and Affordability in Higher Education, an executive order signed by Gov. John Kasich in 2015 to help identify ways that public universities and colleges in Ohio can decrease costs while continue offering high quality higher education.