This information is for IT staff working in Colleges, departments and institutions at the University. If you have a new UMD device and want to set it up, you can find information about setting up UMD devices on our new starter pages.
The University's desktop service
The University Managed Desktop (UMD) is the University's desktop service. It provides secure access to files and easy access to a range of popular productivity, collaboration and teaching applications.
It is available on both Windows and macOS devices in either a single-user or shared-use configurations.
Key features
- Windows, macOS and iOS devices are managed using best practices and technologies
- Managed software installations
- Integration with Microsoft 365, Office 365 and the University Managed Print service
- Cloud management of devices
- A range of configuration options
- Receive pre-provisioned devices direct from Dell Premier
Why use the UMD?
A better experience for your users:
- Devices arrive preconfigured
- Users can access their device and software with a single University password
- Access to a software portal to select applications to be pre-installed or added on demand
Better for IT staff
- Hybrid working compatible. Configuration, remediation, and updates can be run anywhere in the world
- Over 150 applications
- Available for user download without administrator rights
- Kept up to date by UIS
- Delegated access to Microsoft Intune (Windows UMD) and Jamf (macOS)
- Admin rights over your UMD devices
- Remote help software to help your users
- Buy pre-provisioned devices from Dell Premier (Windows)
Better for your institution:
- Integration with IFS means you no longer worry about providing and maintaining storage
- It takes minutes to re-assign a machine to another user when a member of staff leaves your institution
- Operating system and BIOS/firmware updates are applied for you
Better for the University:
- Institutions can use it to provide standardised machines for student or staff use
- Improved cyber and information security of software and hardware: we automate software and operating system updates as soon as they become available to protect devices and University information against the latest exploits
UMD models
Single user
- Device: Set up for a single user.
- Operating systems: Windows and macOS
- Applications: All the apps a standard user will need, either preinstalled or available for download
- Available from: Dell Premier
- Use cases: A standard user’s day-to-day device
Shared use
- Device: Set up for multiple users
- Applications: Minimal apps preinstalled but all apps available
- Operating systems: Windows and macOS
- Available from: UIS
- Use cases:
- Lectern/Presentation Devices
- ‘Hot’ Spare Devices
- Training Devices
Academic
- Device: Set up for multiple users
- Applications: Over 50 different academic software pre-installed. For example. MatLab and SPSS
- Operating systems: Windows and macOS
- Available from: Dell Premier
- Use cases:
- Replacement for the MCS
- Academic/Teaching environments
System
- Device: Set up for system accounts
- Applications: No apps preinstalled but all apps available
- Operating systems: Windows
- Available from: UIS
- Use cases:
- Equipment connected device
- Door controller
How do I trial or request the service?
You can request a demonstration or a trial system by contacting the UIS Service Desk.
Further information for IT staff
- Hardware for the UMD
- Software on the UMD
- UMD network requirements
- UMD pre-migration guide
- How to migrate Windows computers to the UMD
- How to migrate macOS computers to the UMD
- Deploying the UMD on shared-use macOS devices
- UMD Roadmap and milestones
- Delegated access to Windows UMDs
- Delegated access to macOS UMDs
Further information for end users
- UMD pre-migration guide
- Windows UMD set up instructions
- macOS UMD instructions
- Printing on the UMD
- Identifying UMD devices
- Windows 11 upgrade
- Shared-use UMD device instructions
Get help
If you need help using a University Managed Desktop, contact the UIS Service Desk. You can subscribe to receive updates on the status of the service on our IT Service Status site.