As technology becomes a bigger part of the classroom, students have been able to turn to the University to fulfill their communication, organization and security needs in the form of downloadable software since 2005.
The University’s software download system, TigerWare, has reached 2 million downloads, an important milestone that Sheri Thompson, IT planning and communications officer, called “the most exciting statistic” for the system.
The idea for TigerWare came from Indiana University, where a similar system called IUware is in place, Thompson said.
“There was no way for us to get software easily without having to burn CD-ROMs,” Thompson said. “With TigerWare, which came from IUware, there was this opportunity for us to distribute software easily.”
The University bought the code for TigerWare from Indiana and altered it to fit its specific needs. The Student Tech Fee supplied the money for the purchase and covers the cost of student downloads of software like Microsoft Office. Information Technology Services fund the TigerWare staff that keeps TigerWare running and up-to-date.
Construction management senior Chad Hatten said TigerWare is convenient and saves him money.
“I’ve downloaded Microsoft Office from TigerWare,” Hatten said. “I’ve found it pretty valuable since the trial version on my computer expired. I like that LSU is able to offer this, and it does come in handy for sure.”
TigerWare products are managed by a software committee, which meets and reviews submitted requests for new or additional software. Open source software is frequently added.
If a new program would require the University to buy the license, a significant number of people have to need the program in order to balance the cost, Thompson said. Contract prices can also be included for personal and University departmental purchases.
A system like TigerWare is important for the University since students are used to having things at their fingertips, Thompson said. 
 
 
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Contact Morgan Searles at
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