Applications Anywhere

Applications Anywhere enables staff and students to access the software and teaching applications that they required, wherever they are, whenever they need them, on a device (desktop computer, laptop, tablet) of their choice.

The project was delivered over a number of phases. The first phase focused on Windows applications available on University owned Windows devices delivered in time for the start of teaching in October 2015.

  • Over the Easter period 692 student PC’s were replaced at City and Walsall Campus, with more replacements planned for later in the year at Telford Campus.

  • The new PC’s come with larger monitors and faster processors, which will offer our students a better experience when accessing software from the Apps Anywhere hub.

  • Our next priority will be to enable our students to have access to Accessibility Software such as text-to-speech, screen magnifiers, and dyslexia support software by the start of academic year 2016/17.

  • Testing is currently underway and the first set of 12 applications will be available via Apps Anywhere by May 2016.

  • Further work regarding Apple and new software lifecycle processes is underway. We have recently partnered with our supplier, Software2, to develop a solution for the University Apple community and engagement will soon begin with software lifecycle processes key stakeholders.

  • More information, including the catalogue of applications available via Apps Anywhere, applications for home use and FAQs can be found at www.wlv.ac.uk/apps

  • Documentation outlining the next phases of the project has been written and is being presented to the next Project Board for approval.

  • This includes transitioning the project into routine everyday business, reviewing and defining software lifecycles (from request to retirement), access to accessibility software through Apps Anywhere and the development of a solution to deliver Apple applications.

  • We would like to thank colleagues for feedback in relation to the use of Apps Anywhere, particularly academic colleagues regarding classroom use.

  • The Project Team will continue to respond to feedback and welcome additional feedback. Please contact DigitalCampus@wlv.ac.uk

  • Feedback received from students regarding Apps Anywhere has been positive, as reported at the recently held Faculty Council (student) meetings.

  • The Apps Anywhere Team presented at a supplier-hosted customer conference on Wednesday 11th November 2015, and after receiving positive feedback and support, subsequently presented a webinar to the EUNIS (the European Universities Information Systems) group, on Tuesday 15th December 2015.

  • In response to the Government’s recently announced changes to the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), planning is underway to enable access to accessibility software through Apps Anywhere.

  • The next set of project activities includes:

    Transitioning the project into routine everyday business

    Reviewing and defining software lifecycles (from request to retirement)

    Development of a solution to deliver Apple applications

  • Over 350 applications (82%) are available through the Apps Hub on University owned Windows computers.

  • The Apps Anywhere Project Team were invited to an event on Wednesday 11th November 2015, organised by our supplier, to deliver a session to UK HE institutions on lessons learned from this project.

  • We are now sector leaders within this field, with the biggest deployment of apps compared to any other UK institution.

  • For more information, including the apps available, please go to Apps Anywhere.

  • The first Project Board meeting has taken place.

  • Apps Anywhere has launched and is now available on student and staff Windows computers and AV desks across the campuses.

  • A logo for Apps Anywhere has been developed and is in use as the desktop icon.

  • A webpage containing information and the software available has been created. This can be found at: Apps Anywhere.

  • Work is currently underway to enable availability of Apps Anywhere on Apple computers and personally-owned devices.

  • All faculties have been consulted, and have confirmed their software requirements for 2015/16.

  • The project has successfully appointed 2 software packagers to the team.

  • The review of software licensing is complete.

  • The first set of priority applications are currently being identified.