Departmental Software Purchasing

Tags Software

Description

If your department needs a specific application, app, or cloud-based software service that is not available through our University-licensed Software options, you can initiate a purchase request through Bobcat BUY. All software purchases must pass the OHIO Technology Review to identify possible security, accessibility, regulatory, and contractual issues.

Access

Who can access

  • Faculty and staff can submit software purchase requests

How to request access

  1. Check the University-licensed Software options to make sure your title is not already licensed for University use.

  2. Initiate a purchase request for the software title in BobcatBUY .

  3. To expedite your purchase, complete a Technology Review Request immediately after submitting your BobcatBUY order.

  4. Considerations for all software purchases:

    • All solutions must be reviewed, including free software.

    • Take a few minutes to read the "terms of service" and "privacy" sections of your chosen software title's license. One key thing to look for is whether they will sell or provide your information to third parties without your permission. If they say they will or it's not mentioned, you should exercise caution, depending on the type of information the software collects.

    • Does the software or service require students to set up their own accounts? Or does it only require the faculty member? If student accounts are required, also consider what student data (including personal information) the vendor will have access to and whether it would fall under FERPA guidelines.

    • Account management is an important consideration. If you are provisioning accounts to individuals, please ensure you have a process and reminder in place to de-provision those accounts once access is no longer needed.

    • Let OIT know if you begin using a tool. We can often provide additional support or guidance.

    • Remember, with a no-cost solution, YOU are the product! 

Additional resources

Service support

Get help

  • Visit the Technology Help Center ( help.ohio.edu ) to get live support, view outages, and browse trainings.

Accessibility

Ohio University strives to make its digital resources and services accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities who may also be using assistive technology. If special steps are necessary in order to improve the accessibility of experiences for end-users, those steps must be taken. 

If you experience a barrier that affects your ability to access OHIO websites, videos, online forums, documents, or other information technology, please let us know
For further information about OHIO's digital accessibility resources, see:

Security

The Ohio University Information Security Office strives to educate and empower the University community to appropriately manage risks and protect OHIO’s information and systems. This effort is facilitated through policies, standards, and information security risk management program, as well as other tools and guidance that are provided to the University community. This modern approach creates a safe computing environment in which the University community can teach, learn, and conduct research. 

For additional information about OHIO’s security resources, see: