In response to the constantly evolving nature of the technology used at Tech, OIT’s Information and Technology Services (ITS) department is launching a series of vendor/hardware programs that will help Georgia Tech’s Computer Service Representatives (CSR) maintain their department’s hardware.

This series of programs is designed to enhance and update the knowledge possessed by the Institute’s technicians and thereby strengthen the level of support that they can offer to Tech. The first of these programs, which ITS put into action on April 10, involves a deal between Tech and computer producer Lenovo Inc. that will, according to ITS Associate Director Maria Hunter, allow Tech’s IT staff to “order parts and perform basic repairs on Lenovo computer systems without affecting warranty coverage.” Lenovo, the more global-oriented offspring of a Chinese company founded in 1984, is currently the world’s second-largest supplier of personal computers, and is responsible for such popular models as the ThinkPad and the IdeaPad. 

“I believe that through this agreement technicians will appreciate the opportunity to develop new skills that will both increase efficiency and save cost for their department,” says Dale Myers, a staff member of the Technology Support Center in ITS.

To take advantage of this self-service program, technicians first are required to complete a series of courses designed to familiarize them with the services that Lenovo has to offer. These courses include such topics as “Lenovo Desktop Systems Hardware Service Training” and “ThinkPad Tablet Systems Hardware Service Training.”

Tech’s partnership with Lenovo will undoubtedly pave the way for more beneficial agreements in the future; similar pairings with Apple, HP, and Dell are already being considered. Access to the Lenovo training system, as well as more information on this project and the ways that it will benefit the Georgia Tech community, can be attained by emailing hardware@oit.gatech.edu or visiting www.hardware.oit.gatech.edu.