Computer Insurance and Inventory

The group has developed a database in which information about any computer system can be stored. The database is designed to store as much detail as is available including for example the serial numbers and type of all the sub-systems making up a system (e.g. disks, tapes, monitors etc). The more information that is provided, the easier it is to estimate the current replacement value of a system. This is important when it comes to generating the insurance contract, which is done automatically at approximately monthly intervals. A system must be in the database before it can be insured. Network staff will also check the database for an entry whenever they are asked to connect a system or provide a network address for it. Currently, the department provides funds centrally so that every registered machine can be insured without additional cost to the user. Details of the university insurance policy can be found at www.admin.ox.ac.uk/insurance/.