Technology Refresh Cycles
COD must support a robust, reliable and cost-effective infrastructure for the delivery of information, instruction, training and all technology-based services. Technology is an essential component in the operations of the college from the delivery of curriculum, to direct classroom support, to day-to-day operations of the college.
Continuity of this type of infrastructure requires not only a one-time investment but consistent updating of all associated equipment. The Technology Replacement Plan must consider equipment lifecycles, production warranty plans, and changes in technology needed to support various types of programs.
Academic Computer Labs Replacement Cycle
To implement a successful equipment replacement cycle, all academic computer labs are categorized in one of two tiers. This tiered approach is based upon specialized equipment needs required to run discipline-specific software.
Type 1 Lab Criteria
This type of lab runs discipline specific software that requires higher-end hardware for proper software usage. These labs are on a 4 year refresh cycle which parallels the maintenance program. Replaced computers can be cycled to Type 2 labs.
Type 2 Lab Criteria
This type of lab runs basic applications which do not require running the latest hardware specifications. These labs are on a 4-6 year refresh cycle and computers taken from Type 1 labs are often used to upgrade these labs.
A breakdown of all computer labs and their tier can be found in Appendix II.
Classroom Instructor Stations
Computers used by instructors in the classroom will be replaced every 4 years. This parallels the COD production maintenance/warranty plan. Computers used by instructors in academic computer labs will be replaced at the same time that the student computers in the lab are replaced.
Multimedia (AV) Equipment
The multimedia equipment for classroom systems includes, but is not limited to, projectors, projector screens, document cameras, and media controllers. They average a lifespan of 8-10 years with upgrade to certain A/V components as technology changes or equipment wears out.
Faculty and Staff Computers
The refresh cycle for faculty and staff is every four years which parallels the production maintenance/warranty cycle. There are times when replaced staff computers are repurposed for other staff or for adjunct faculty. Requests for earlier replacement, based upon department need, can be made through the Program Review Update cycle or through the Technology Project Request form.
Student Lab and Adjunct Lab Areas
Student computer labs and adjunct faculty lab areas follow the same criteria as the Tier 2 Academic Computer Labs. These labs are on a 4 to 6 year refresh cycle and may be the recipient of replaced computers from other areas of the college.
Telephones
Telephones are replaced every 6+ years depending on licensing requirements as well as compatibility with current VoIP architecture.
Network Equipment
Network equipment is technology that provides the foundation for day-to-day operations, internet access, and relevant security. This technology encompasses firewalls, core routers, endpoint switches, wireless network and controllers, and appropriate power supplies/batteries. Refresh cycle for this equipment is every 5 to 8 years unless recommended otherwise by the manufacturer. As this equipment is critical to the consistent and secure processing of information, it will be refreshed prior to the manufacturer’s end-of-support date or COD risks possible unscheduled downtime and possible security breaches.
Currently the main campus has a 10 Gbps internet connection provided through CENIC. Necessary hardware was upgraded to support these speeds. It will be necessary to replace core networking infrastructure if the District decides to increase our internet access to speeds greater than 10 Gbps.
Production Servers
COD’s server configuration incorporates both physical and virtual servers creating a hybrid operating environment. This hybrid environment allows COD to rapidly respond to ongoing and changing needs of students, faculty and staff. Physical servers are placed on a 6-8 year refresh cycle taking into account manufacturer end-of-life and available production warranties.
Storage Area Network (SAN)
The current NetApp SAN was implemented in 2017. Applications and requirements to store data will continue to expand and will require additional SAN. Some of these applications include the increased use of Laserfiche for storing documents and creating workflows, increased use of email and associated storage, file redirect to automatically backup user documents, and used of shared drives for collaboration efforts. SAN needs will be reviewed annually with recommendations for expansion made as they are identified. In addition, existing SAN devices will be replaced every 5 years based on manufacturer end-of-life and available production warranties.
Conference Rooms
Technology used in conference rooms vary by location and use. Conference room technology is often upgraded as the area is remodeled. Updates can also be made to conference rooms through the Program Review Update process. Historically, replacement for these areas has not been covered under the Technology Replacement Plan.
