Pitt and UPMC are boosting collaboration through innovative IT solutions, including an online guide to technology interoperability, software licensing agreements that remove barriers for UPMC staff involved in Pitt research, and shared Wi-Fi networks in common buildings to ensure seamless connectivity between the two institutions.

Creating a Collaboration Guide

When it comes to Microsoft 365, because UPMC uses corporate licensing and Pitt has academic licensing, cross-organizational collaboration can be a challenge. Different institutional security policies also add complexity. Pitt and UPMC developed an online collaboration guide to tackle these barriers. The guide helps staff securely access shared resources, better utilize Microsoft tools, and understand which institution’s help desk to contact. As a result, Pitt and UPMC employees now work together more easily and effectively.

Eliminating Software Barriers

UPMC is considered by software vendors to be a commercial entity not eligible for the same software discounts extended to academic institutions such as Pitt. This pricing model presents a potential barrier to UPMC staff involved with Pitt research, particularly those at Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, and the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Pitt eliminated this barrier by successfully negotiating academic price agreements for these researchers — including SAS, SPSS, SigmaPlot, and Strata SE.

Streamlining Wi-Fi for Employees

Maintaining entirely separate Pitt and UPMC networks in shared buildings adds complexity for employees and increases costs for both institutions. Pitt and UPMC have developed a model to securely extend each other’s Wi-Fi networks into shared buildings without investing in dual network infrastructure. The network connection between Pitt and UPMC was also upgraded to 100 Gbps to better support collaboration. Wi-Fi has been extended to many shared facilities that house Pitt departments, including the Mercy Vision Center, the Oakland Medical Building, Rangos Research Center, and more.