Michigan State University Information Technology is partnering with MSU Procurement to introduce an updated IT Readiness process to provide clearer guidance when purchasing or using IT hardware, software, and services.
This update is designed to improve the campus experience by helping staff more easily determine what steps, if any, are required before proceeding with an IT purchase. This work will continue to evolve, with ongoing changes informed by feedback from those using the IT Readiness form.
What’s new
The updated process introduces an IT Readiness Process Matrix, which outlines:
- When an IT Readiness form is required.
- What additional review or approval is necessary.
- When purchases may proceed without additional steps.
In addition, the IT Readiness experience has been updated to better accommodate common low-risk purchases, including select hardware and software scenarios. As we continue to make improvements, expect to see additional enhancements that streamline approvals, including updates to the Approved Software List.
What this means for you
As we continue improvements, the updated process is intended to:
- Reduce unnecessary steps for low-risk purchases.
- Provide clearer next steps after submitting an IT Readiness form.
- Improve consistency across acquisition methods (free software, internal purchases, and external procurements).
- Keep purchases aligned with university requirements, including the MSU Institutional Data Policyand Digital Accessibility Policy.
Getting started
To determine the appropriate step for acquiring your IT hardware or software:
- Review the IT Readiness Process Matrix for acquisition options, approval requirements, and documentation guidance.
- Check the Approved Software List to see if the software is already approved for Public data and can bedownloaded or purchased. Note: Any Confidential Information (I.E. FERPA, HIPAA, PCI, Confidential Research) is not approved for use on this list and requires an IT Readiness Form.
- If required, complete the IT Readiness Form and follow the IT Readiness Process Matrix based on the results.
Important reminders
- Free software is not automatically approved; downloading software may still require review depending on risk and data use.
- The Approved Software List has use case restrictions and is not a blanket approval – only Public Data, no Confidential Data.
- Submitting an IT Readiness Form does not necessarily constitute approval; the form may need additional routing and review.
- The TDX ticket associated with the IT Readiness Form facilitates the collection of information and will automatically close. Closure of the TDX ticket does not indicate approval; All actions related to your request will be communicated via email.
- Certain hardware purchases through approved Spartan Marketplace catalogs (e.g., Apple, CDW, Dell) do not require an IT Readiness Form.
- All other purchases should follow the guidance outlined in the Matrix
