Managed Software Distribution launches eMSD to extend software purchase savings to students, faculty, and staff

Enterprise Information Technology Services Press Release
The University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia

Monday, August 27, 2007

WRITER: Bert DeSimone, 706/338-9849, bert@uga.edu
CONTACT: George Bond, 706/542-0383, gbond@uga.edu

ATHENS, Ga.— Managed Software Distribution (MSD), a provider of quality software at reduced prices for UGA and institutions within the University System of Georgia, is extending its service offering to individuals who wish to purchase software for their personal use. In the past, only faculty and staff could purchase software, and the purchase was for institutional use only.

With the launch of eMSD on August 27, students, faculty, and staff will be able to purchase popular software online at substantial savings through the eMSD Web site.

"We are piloting eMSD at the University of Georgia," said George Bond, MSD manager. "Upon successful completion of the pilot, all University System of Georgia institutions will be given the opportunity to participate in eMSD."

Bond went on to explain that eMSD is a first for MSD as students will now be able to purchase software. Students, faculty, and staff will be able to purchase software from Adobe and Microsoft, including Microsoft Office.

Those purchasing through eMSD can expect to see savings of between 50% and 75% over retail pricing. Purchases can be made using most popular credit cards.

The secure Web site is available at:

http://emsd.uga.edu

UGA students, faculty, and staff can use their MyID to access the eMSD ordering catalog.

"MSD is pleased to offer this service to UGA students," said Bond. "It is our hope that eMSD will help meet the demands of Georgia's higher education students for affordable, quality software."

MSD, a unit within EITS, has been serving the software needs of the University System of Georgia since 1987. During fiscal year 2006, MSD recorded more than 112,000 products delivered. Since MSD's inception, savings are estimated to be in excess of $44 million when compared to statewide contract pricing and other dealer educational pricing.

About the Office of the CIO and EITS
The Office of the Chief Information Officer and Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS) are committed to the mission of UGA as a land-and-sea-grant institution where academics come first and the research extensive university community encourages research efforts at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To that end, under the direction of the University´s Chief Information Officer, EITS endeavors to provide a robust, reliable, and secure information technology infrastructure, maintain essential production services, and offer world-class support.

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