Ohio University

OHIO Technology Review

A technology review is required for all information technology, communication technology or software purchases/renewals, including "free" services and services developed in house. The review checks for:

  • Compatibility - With Ohio University's existing IT infrastructure.
  • Compliance- With University policies/state law.
  • Alignment - With IT best practices and standards.
  • Accessibility - An accessibility review also will be performed any time an Ohio University administrative or academic unit uses software to provide university programming, services or activities.

Reviews are conducted by a multi-departmental committee of campus professionals, each with unique areas of expertise. The process is facilitated by OIT and includes OIT, Purchasing and in some cases the Registrar and Legal Affairs.

Please request a technology review as soon as you have selected the product you wish to purchase or renew. You may need to work with your vendor to gather required user and technical details as part of your request. For help with a software or technology purchase, contact the IT Service Desk.

Request a Review

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why Reviews are Required

Technology reviews are necessary to comply with several university policies (91.006, 91.004, 04.001) and state law. The process protects the safety, security and financial interests of our campus community by verifying appropriate handling of sensitive data, evaluating accessibility and compatibility, and ensuring that all new software terms of use/contracts include the Ohio Attorney General's "essential terms." In the case of renewals, the process can identify changes in the way Ohio University uses a product compared to when its original contract was signed.

Purchases that Require Review

All information and communication technology purchases and adoptions must be reviewed, regardless of cost or funding source (state, foundation, athletic, federal or state grant funds, etc.) This includes "free" products or services (e.g. Apple, Google Apps) as well as those developed on campus. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Software
  • Equipment that uses a digital interface, software or system to store, manage, control, manipulate or retrieve information
  • Videos
  • Web content
  • Communications products
List of Approved Applications and Services

List of reviewed vendors and products/titles that have already completed a technology review. This will be updated periodically.

Technology Review Vendors

How long will the review process take?

It can take up to a month or longer, it will depend on how fast the vendor will work with Ohio University in regards to terms, accessibility and security.

We have a long-term contract, can we get an exception?

No, it will need to go through the process if it hasn't been reviewed in the last 2 years by all parties, security and laws change often and this will ensure we are adhering to all laws and policies.

What if I pay for it myself?

If the software is install on university owned computer or using for work purposes the university would be at risk.

Oops I clicked accept on the term's agreement-now what do I do?

Contact the IT Service Desk immediately; they will be able to determine if software was downloaded to your device or if what you accidentally agreed to is a service on the internet. If you downloaded software to your university owned computer, OIT will assist in removing all unwanted software. If you agreed to an online service, they will send the ticket to the appropriated university department to contact the company and explain the situation.