Software (Faculty Toolkit)
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) offers a new initiative called UTools. The first phase of the OIT UTools initiative is to expand OIT’s current software license program and recommend an evolving Delicious-based list of free or low cost open-source and shareware applications and tools.
Expansion of OIT’s current software license program
The Office of Information Technology strives to provide the entire University community with the lowest-priced software options possible. OIT has subsidized the three most common Adobe® software tools, and offers them at drastically reduced prices. All current U of M faculty and staff are able to purchase Adobe Acrobat Pro®, Dreamweaver®, and Photoshop® Elements at approximately 40% of the already-discounted U of M Adobe software licence price. For example, the Adobe Acrobat Pro price is only $25.00 for faculty and staff through this program (MSRP $449).
To place an Adobe software orders, access the OIT Software License program online order form at http://www.umn.edu/software. Send any questions regarding the discounted software options to software@umn.edu.
As a result of this new program, as of August 5, 2008, the Faculty Toolkit program will no longer be available. The Faculty Toolkit program restricted the "free" software options to only five faculty classifications, leaving many faculty and all staff not eligible for this option.
Delicious-based list of free or low cost open-source and shareware applications and tools
OIT will recommend an evolving Delicious-based list of free or low cost open-source and shareware applications and tools. OIT will work with the University Community to align applications and tools to the University of Minnesota mission of research and discovery, teaching and learning, and outreach and public service. This use of the Delicious social networking application will facilitate community sharing of information, recommendations for online tools, and more. Visit the UTools website for more information and a direct link to the Delicious Web site. Questions regarding the open-source initiative can be sent to dmc@umn.edu.
