On a little more serious note than my last comment, the university
probably is a pretty good model which points up not only hardware
problems, but software and administrative problems. Locally we've
had subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle pressure to standardize
common software (surprise--usually the pressure is for a Microsoft
product). Some of us have used other products for years, are
thoroughly familiar with them (no small comfort), and honestly
believe the other products are the best available--we are not happy
with the threat of having to become less efficient.

A second point is that there is no platform that fits all needs.
Departments that do  nothing but number crunching and word
processing has quite different needs than departments heavy on
graphics or databasing. I think you need to look at how to initiate
and maintain effective communication _despite_ different needs,
different platforms, and different software (which may be what Mark
had in mind in the first place?).

Adam Brin wrote:
>
> Mark,
>         I would suggest going to talking to your university.  While the university
> works on a more corporate level, it has a similar problem, students and
> departments often have different computers and different programs.  The
> university has to make decisions about support issues and upgrading.  Why
> not also look at how the university deals with its infrastructure, these
> institutionalized policies tend to range the whole gamut of possibilities
> and may also provide you a template through which to evaluate and determine
> processes.

Art Harris

--
Laboratory for Environmental Biology
Centennial Museum (Natural and Cultural History)
phone (915)747-6985; fax (915)747-5808; [log in to unmask]
http://www.utep.edu/leb http://www.utep.edu/museum