DEFINITION OF DESKTOP AND MOBILE COMPUTING - 4989.1

(Revised: 02/2017)

Communication – For the purpose of interpreting this policy, communication is the requesting, sending, transmitting, or receiving of electronic data via cable, telephone wire, wireless, or other communication facility.

Desktop and Mobile Computer Software – Commercially licensed software necessary for the operation, use, and/or security of desktop and mobile computers.

Desktop and Mobile Computer Supplies – Consumable commodities used for data storage, printing, and/or other IT supplies as defined in SAM Section 4819.2.

Desktop and Mobile Computing – For the purposes of this policy, desktop and mobile computing is the use of desktop and mobile computing commodities in support of state Agency/state entity business operations.

Desktop and Mobile Computing Commodities – Hardware and software commonly required for most state employees to perform daily business transactions such as desktop computers, mobile computers (e.g., personal digital assistants, laptop computers), mobile phones (e.g. cell phones, smartphones), desktop and mobile computer software, servers, server software, peripheral devices (e.g., printers), supplies, and Local Area Network infrastructure.

Desktop and Mobile Computing Servers – Computer servers necessary for the operation, use, and/or security of desktop and mobile computers.

Desktop and Mobile Server Software – Commercially licensed server software necessary for the operation, use, and/or security of desktop and mobile computers.

Desktop Computers – Computing devices, generally designed to remain in a fixed location, that can connect by cable, telephone wire, wireless transmission, or via any Internet connection to an Agency/state entity’s IT infrastructure and/or data systems.

Information Technology Asset Management – The effective tracking and managing of IT assets for an Agency/state entity’s program and enterprise IT infrastructure and production systems, including the ability to identify and classify Agency/state entity- owned hardware and software, telecommunications, maintenance costs and expenditures, support requirements (e.g., state staff, vendor support), and the ongoing refresh activities necessary to maintain the Agency/state entity’s IT assets.

Information Technology Infrastructure – An Agency/state entity’s platform for the delivery of information to support Agency/state entity programs and management. Included in the infrastructure are equipment, software, communications, rules, and vision.

Local Area Network (LAN) – Two or more desktop or mobile computers at the same site connected by cable, telephone wire, wireless or other communication facility providing the ability to communicate or to access shared data storage, printers, or other desktop and mobile computing commodities.

Mobile Computers – Portable-computing devices that can connect by cable, telephone wire, wireless transmission, or via any Internet connection to an Agency/state entity’s IT infrastructure and/or data systems. The following devices are considered mobile computers:

Laptop/Notebook – A portable Personal Computer (PC) with a clamshell form factor that combines many desktop computer external components into a single device, such as display, speakers, keyboard, and pointing devices. These devices typically run standard PC operating systems. Laptop/Notebook category includes several variations and form factors which include the following:

-Clamshell - traditional laptop/notebook form factor. All the same attributes/components of a PC, but with the keyboard and monitor attached, and of a size that enables for mobile use.

-Ultrabook - laptops that are thinner with longer battery life and touchscreen, wireless display.  The Ultrabook category includes 2-in-1 devices that have the ability to convert their look and feel from a traditional clamshell laptop to a tablet/slate. The conversion can be accomplished by detaching, sliding, folding, twisting, etc.

Tablet/Slate– A one-piece mobile computer usually equipped with a touchscreen and an on-screen, hide-able virtual keyboard.  Touch is the primary user interface for a tablet/slate device. These devices are typically larger than smartphones and generally have larger screen size and greater computing capabilities. Tablet/Slate devices often have device-specific operating systems such as Apple IOS, Android, or Windows RT.

Remote Access – The connection of an information asset from an off-site location to an information asset on state IT infrastructure.

Mobile Phone – A device that can make and receive telephone calls over a cellular network. Mobile phones include smartphone devices which are computing devices that provide advanced computing capability and connectivity, and run a complete operating system and platform for application developers and users to install and run more advanced applications.

Wide Area Network (WAN) – Two or more physical locations connected by cable, wire, or other wireless transmission, providing the ability to communicate between locations and/or Internet connectivity.