Purdue, other Indiana public universities combine purchasing power for best deal on Microsoft products

Collaboration ensures affordable access to essential software 

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — There’s strength in numbers when it comes to higher education software agreements.

Five Indiana public universities capitalized on their combined size to secure a new deal to provide Microsoft products to tens of thousands of students, faculty, and staff, at a significant discount.

This spring, Purdue, Indiana University, Ball State University, Ivy Tech Community College, and the University of Southern Indiana submitted a joint request for proposal (RFP) for Microsoft software and services, more formally known as an Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES) agreement. After a competitive bidding process, the joint RFP has been awarded to a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) reseller as a three-year contract.

The collaboration to share similar resources and programs and to leverage group purchasing power yielded the biggest discount any of the schools has ever received from Microsoft. In addition, the contract going to a minority-owned enterprise helps the partners work toward goals in that area.

The new contract continues Purdue’s existing deal with Microsoft to allow Purdue students, faculty, and staff to download many of Microsoft's most popular software products for free through Purdue’s Office365 online portal. Also, throughout the life of the contract, they can upgrade to the latest versions of these Microsoft products at no additional licensing cost.

“Purdue’s agreement includes a significant discount over the standard educational pricing and is by far the least expensive way to provide these products to the University,” says Gerry McCartney, Purdue vice president for information technology and chief information officer.  “This agreement saves each institution money and enhances student affordability.” 

Writer: Greg Kline, 765-494-8167, gkline@purdue.edu 

Source: Gerry McCartney, 765-496-2270, mccart@purdue.edu