PsSoft is the chosen solution to help the University manage software licensing and distribution. It is a technology which gives the user access via a WEB portal to select and acquire the software they need. PsSoft will be implemented to work only in conjunction with the distribution of the Microsost Vista SOE.

If I do not want a Vista SOE, can I still purchase software via the portal?

Currently, no, the portal can only be used to acquire software for use on ITS managed and deployed Microsoft Vista SOE machines. Stage 2 of this project may provide this feature but you will have to wait until 2008.

What will the Vista SOE contain?

For details on the new Vista SOE click here

When will this Self Service Software installation portal be available to use?

It is expected to be available when the new Vista SOE is rolled out to the University later in the year. For further information please go to the Vista SOE Project site.

What can I do on the Portal?

After you log into the self service installation portal and you are confirmed as an authorised user you will be able to select the software you need from a catalogue of approved and tested software. You will also be shown the pricing and licence conditions for this software.

Can I purchase more than one application?

You will be able to select and continue to add software to your shopping basket until you have completed your purchase.

How will my purchase be approved by the Faculty/School/Department?

Ps'Soft will be configured to forward your request to your nominated financial officers in your faculty/school or division/department for approval.

How long will the approvals take?

Straightforward approvals may be "same day" and purchases may be completed in a little as a few days. Due to improved work flow efficiencies within Ps'Soft the current processes (manual) of acquiring and deploying software is expected to be reduced dramatically. Please note that approval times may differ between faculties and departments which may be dependent on local influences.

When will I get my software?

Some software such as EndNote will be deployed to your machine immediately or within a few hours as an automated installation process. Other software will require approval and might need to be purchased if there are no spare licences or the old version is not compatible with the new operating system. These applications will be deployed once the approval and purchasing processes have completed.

There are three criteria for installation:
Base Software that comes with each machine as part of the standard SOE
ITS Managed Applications
Individually Managed Applications
For further details on what is covered under each of these categories please go to the Vista SOE project site.

If the software I need has to be purchased how will I know when it will arrive?

You will be able to track the progress of your request via the portal as well as any emails that may be sent to you. All requests, validations and approvals will be managed by Ps'Soft and either communicated via email or displayed when you log in to the self service portal.

What if the software I need is not on the list?

The approved application list webpage contains the list of software recommended for the "go live" release of Ps'Soft. If the software you require is not on the list you need to advise a software licensing committee member so that they can ensure the software is added to the list. Once the portal and service is up and running you will be able to request new software via the portal.

How long will it take to get new software onto the list?

It will take 4 - 6 weeks to get new software added to the approved software list.

Will this be available to all University personnel?

Initially this service will be only available to staff. Students will eventually be able to acquire software for use only on University machines. Student access may be available later in the year or early 2008.

Can I buy software for home?

Certain software under specific licensing requirements will permit staff to use software at home. Students will not be able to purchase software for home use.

I have purchased software recently. Do I need to purchase it again via the portal?

If you can provide to software licensing and ITS "proof of currency" in the form of a current licence/s and or certificate/s, proof of purchase (as required under licence agreement), original box copy, etc. The onus is on you to prove that you legally acquired the software you require to be installed on your new Vista SOE. If you are unable to prove the software you have legal, you may be required to purchase a new licence.

I have room full of software boxes and CD's. What do I do with this?

If this software is current and suitable for use on Vista you need to gather all the boxes of software, licensing and media and notifhy software licensing.

Is there anything I need to do right now?

If you have software that you can use on the new Vista SOE then you need to gather the software and licences together and advise software licensing. Although we do not expect you to purchase all brand new software for the Vista SOE we do require you to provide proof of your licensing entitlements before we can deploy the software to your machine/s.

What legally constitutes proof of purchase if audited?

Proof of purchase needs to be proving legal entitlement to the use of the software installed. Most vendors will accept proof of purchase of software as purchase order details along with the matching invoice or receipt showing payment made.

For products requiring a licence key then you also need to provide the applicable licence number or licensing certificate, serial number or other activation certification that was supplied when the software was purchased. This may also include emails from vendors if purchased online.

If the product purchased is box copy (standalone copies of software) the licence number or serial number provided with the media is also required if the software has to be reinstalled at any stage.