The impact of a self-service model for software on campus can be multifaceted. There is the project goal, which aligns with the purpose, but there can also be additional benefits that occur. When a new software is adopted on a campus, it may begin as a pilot program with only limited access to users. Then, as interest grows, strategies need to get developed to support the increase in number of users. One solution is to develop an automated process to distribute software for a large number of users on a campus.
At San Jose State University, the adoption of Adobe software began with the campus having a limited number of licenses. It was made available on a course-by-course basis and to individuals by completing a request form. Soon, the number of licenses available dramatically increased. This led to the opportunity for all students to gain access to the software as needed. With this increase, a need emerged for a change in the method to gain access to the software without delay. To address this challenge, a team was assembled to explore what would be necessary to create this as a self-service model. The team included both back-end and front-end application specialists as well as a team member that provides direct user support. The solution involved syncing databases along with developing a stand alone application with a user friendly interface.
The impact of providing on-demand access led to (1) a decrease in the amount of time spent processing requests, (2) a reduction in the amount of time spent waiting to receive access, (3) an opportunity for instructors to focus on teaching and not technical aspects, and (4) the ability for students to focus on utilizing the software versus trying to gain access to the software.
This poster will both highlight the technical aspects of the self-service model and highlight the positive impacts it had on our campus with students, faculty, and staff.