Purpose:

 

This policy aims to ensure that Arkansas Tech University’s technology infrastructure remains current, secure, and aligned with the purpose and mission of the university.

 

Procedure:

 

Regular Assessments:

  • Conduct quarterly technology assessments to identify areas for improvement and evaluates the effectiveness of the existing infrastructure.
  • Assess the performance, security, and scalability of hardware, software, and network components.
  • Provides recommendations for further action.

 

Software and System Updates:

  • Performs monthly updates to apply patches, updates, and security fixes for all systems, applications, and software.
  • Utilizes a testing environment to verify the compatibility and stability of updates before deploying them to production systems.

 

Vendor and Supplier Engagement:    

  • Maintains relationships with technology vendors and suppliers.
  • Regularly reviews vendor product roadmaps, release notes, and updates to stay informed about new features, upgrades, and emerging technologies.
  • Evaluates vendor products and services to ensure they align with ATU’s technology strategy and objectives.

 

Documentation and Knowledge Management:

  • Utilizes a centralized repository for infrastructure documentation, including network diagrams, system configurations, and security protocols.
  • Uses a knowledge management system to capture and share best practices, lessons learned, and troubleshooting guides.
  • Regularly reviews and updates documentation to reflect changes in the technology infrastructure.

 

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:

  • Maintains a comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plan for the technology infrastructure.
  • Tests and validates the effectiveness of the plan through regular drills and exercises.
  • Updates the plan as needed to accommodate changes in technology and business requirements.

 

Future-Proofing and Scalability:

  • Consider scalability and future-proofing when designing or upgrading the technology infrastructure.
  • Evaluate technologies and solutions that can accommodate growth, changing needs, and emerging trends.
  • Conduct periodic reviews of the infrastructure to identify areas for enhancement or replacement.