The Level III layer consists of applications which automate aspects of, and support the functioning of, the academic and administrative departments of the University. These can be cost-justified in their benefit to the University as a whole by the indivi dual departments who sponsor them and within whose budget the decision lies. There may be arguments for central funding of components which are common to a number of groups, which no single group should have to fund (ie. economies of scale). A few examp les:

1. Imaging and electronic filing

• executive offices are studying the cost-benefit of an on-line text-base which can be searched to find information filed and which will eliminate paper filing
• Purchasing Services is exploring the savings that electronic filing of purchase orders would bring
• calendaring using groupware is being reviewed

2. Electronic forms processing

• a University database of 'forms', kept in electronic format and shared via database applications or email, can remove the need for paper forms processing and subsequent re-entry into another computer of written information, improving accuracy and error-checking, and saving clerical processing

The analogy is that CIS will provide Level I 'Core' services as a matter of course, as well as those Level II 'Fundamental' services deemed to be worthwhile, in widespread use within the community, and where better use of University resources accrues from economies of scale due to many users. Level III 'Layered' services can be purchased from various vendors, including CIS in some cases where resource capacity allows.

For further information on "Layers" contact Pat O'Day, Director, CIS.