Revision to software licensing policy issued

IGD, Statewide IT Policy, April 2007

R. Steve Edmonson, Director of the Office of Information Technology and State Chief Information Officer, recently issued a revision to Ohio IT Policy ITP-A.26 entitled "Software Licensing.” The revision  was substantially reorganized and streamlined, but retains the essential software licensing compliance elements from the original policy. However, a few substantive differences are new with the revision.

• Removal of a requirement that agencies file a detailed copyright plan and updates with the Ohio Office of Information Technology;

• Addition of a requirement that a deliberate decision must be made as to whether the installation of state-licensed software will be permitted on privately-owned computers, and if so, procedures must be established accordingly; and

• Addition of a requirement that a deliberate decision must be made as to whether the installation of personally-licensed software will be permitted on state-owned computers, and if so, procedures must be established accordingly.

Ohio IT Policy ITP-A.26 was subject to a rigorous research, review and quality control process. The revision included the efforts of agency chief information officers, independent third-party expert review, and legal counsel.

The revised policy is available online at http://www.oit.ohio.gov/IGD/policy/pdfs_policy/ITP-A.26.pdf.

State IT rules, policies, standards, procedures and bulletins can be found online at www.ohio.gov/itp.

Comments, questions or inquiries may be directed to:

Statewide IT Policy

Ohio Office of Information Technology

Investment and Governance Division

30 E. Broad St., 39th Floor

Columbus, Ohio 43215-3414

Telephone:   (614) 644-9352

Facsimile:     (614) 644-9152

E-mail:          State.ITPolicy.Manager@oit.ohio.gov