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Service catalogue

Our Service Catalogue is a list of services provided by IT Services to members of the University of Sussex and certain categories of visitors.

Each service within the catalogue typically includes a brief description of the service and how to access it, who is entitled to use/request the service, details of availability and service maintenance, and links to further information. This is intended to help improve knowledge within the University of the range of services we currently provide and to help users get more out of them. The range of services offered is reviewed annually with the University IT Consultative Group.

Business Systems Support

Service ID

21

Summary

Supports the use of Applications required in the operational management and administration of the University. This includes support for the technologies used by these applications (Oracle, Oracle Forms, PHP, MySQL, MS Sequel Server).

Permitted users

  1. Staff members of the University.
  2. Other authorised users (for example Study Group International staff)
  3. Each Application has its own group of authorised users. 

Gaining access

Access requests (with appropriate manager authorisation) are actioned by ITS Client Services.  

Hours of operation

This service is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Supported period

Normal working days 0900-1700.

Change control

Standard IT Services CIS change control procedures apply.

ITS Responsibilities

  1. To ensure system availability.
  2. To ensure that the systems are based on supported hardware, database and software and are compatible with IT Services-supported web browsers.
  3. To perform system maintenance tasks.
  4. To maintain reference data shared with other business areas.
  5. To ensure system security policies are adhered to.
  6. To maintain links with other business systems.
  7. To specify and carry out development work as required to meet statutory requirements or to support the University’s strategic plan.
  8. To advise users and assist in problem solving.
  9. To maintain user accounts and liaise with section heads in maintaining user access (for locally-written systems).
  10. To liaise with section heads to provide user documentation and training as required.
  11. To liaise with section heads to provide data required by statutory bodies, e.g. HESA.
  12. To liaise with section heads to provide operational reports and management information.

Service user responsibilities

  1. To ensure access is accurately and securely controlled.
  2. To ensure license limit numbers are not exceeded.
  3. To maintain all appropriate data.
  4. To ensure the system is used responsibly and appropriately.
  5. To provide adequate notice of new or amended requirements, legal or governance requirements.
  6. To agree scheduled maintenance timings as/where required.
  7. To ensure staff receive adequate training and access to documentation.
  8. To raise technical support logs with suppliers, independently from IT Services-raised logs.
  9. To report faults in a timely manner.
  10. To provide timely notice of changes required, and to work with IT Services staff in clarifying requirements, testing changes and signing them off.

Service dependencies

Service depends on Data Network (#1), Staff Desktop Support (#13), adequate and timely support from third-party suppliers.

Detailed service description

Business Applications and Services:

Support core administrative applications that cover most University activities and include both integrated and standalone systems, in-house written and third-party systems.

Examples include: Finance, HR/Payroll, Housing, Admissions (third-party systems),  Student Systems, Research, Sussex Direct (in-house written);

Use an underlying infrastructure based around the Central Oracle Database, with additional linked databases for third-party systems, all accessed predominantly as a three-tier service (Database, App server, web browser client). 

Links to ITS documentation

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/its/services/staffservices/businessapplications/guides

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/its/help

Definitions

Normal working days
These are defined for all ITS services as Monday – Friday inclusive, but excluding Bank Holidays and University Minimum Service Days.
Scheduled Maintenance
IT username and password
These are the login credentials, issued by IT Services to registered students and current staff of the ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ, enabling access to email, workstations and other services requiring authentication.

New and changed services

Information about changes to services including any scheduled maintenance, are posted on the IT Services website and distributed by the IT Services Facebook, Twitter and RSS feed. Current service status traffic light information is also displayed on the IT Services website.

If the service you are enquiring about is not described below, please get in touch.

User responsibilities

All service users are expected to abide by the rules and regulations described in Regulations for the use of Information and Communication Technology and to report faults, as they arise, to IT Services.

Updated on 17 October 2013