Enhancements to Software at CMU
Software at CMU, the university’s centralized hub for software licensing and acquisition, is rolling out a series of enhancements to the catalog. Computing Services, in collaboration with the University Contracts Office (UCO), aims to simplify procurement processes, clarify data security parameters, and enhance institutional transparency regarding software costs by designating free, add-on, and user-managed options.
Faculty, staff, and students can expect to see these features integrated into the existing catalog in the coming weeks.
New User-Managed Category Approved by UCO
Navigating software licenses is about to get easier. The Software at CMU catalog is introducing user-managed software titles that have been vetted and approved for use by the University Contracts Office (UCO). Users can download UCO guidance documentation, purchase approved titles with departmental funds, and manage their applications independently within the approved parameters.
We encourage you to search the catalog for the latest additions before making a purchase. Many popular Artificial Intelligence (AI) titles have already been added. Titles that are frequently requested and approved by the UCO will be added to the catalog through an ongoing review process, enabling buyers to download the guidance documentation needed to support their purchasing justifications.
Visibility of the ISO Data Classifications
To help the community make safer and compliant choices regarding data storage and information handling, catalog listings will begin featuring ISO Data Classifications. When browsing individual software titles, users will see a label indicating whether the title is approved for use with:
- Public Data
- Restricted Data
- Restricted Specific Data
- Private Data
Clear Pricing for University-Managed Titles
While many core catalog titles continue to be fully funded for campus-wide use, new markers will now clearly identify software that requires departmental chargebacks, fees, or tiered subscription costs.