Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Software Application Delivery Review

Software Delivery Review 1

What is this project?

The Software Applications Renewal project is a review of UCD’s current Application Delivery solution ahead of an upcoming contract renewal.  UCD has been using AppsAnywhere as the application delivery platform since 2015.

This project will assess our existing platform's alignment with University goals and explore the wider application delivery market to ensure the University selects the most effective, sustainable solution for 2027 and beyond

Software Delivery Review 3

Why is it happening?

Application Delivery is an important part of teaching, learning, and assessment at UCD. With our current contract due to end in December 2026, it is important to review how AppsAnywhere has performed, hear from staff and students about their experience and needs, and explore what the wider market can offer.

This evaluation will ensure UCD continues to have an application delivery solution that is:

  • Aligned with our strategic goals.

  • Supportive of teaching, learning, and student engagement.

  • Integrated with key systems such as Brightspace.

  • Accessible and compliant, meeting the needs of all users.

  • Sustainable, delivering long-term value for money.
Software Delivery Review 2

What is meant by Application Delivery?

Software Delivery incorporates the various mechanisms by which software is delivered to Staff and Students, including AppsAnywhere and Software Downloads.  It forms a key part of the open access lab desktop experience as well as supporting the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) approach.  It provides an environment in which students can learn to use specialist software in a consistent manner and without individual cost.

This project will:

  • Review AppsAnywhere and Software Downloads usage, performance and user satisfaction.
  • Explore the current Application Delivery market to understand available options.
  • Provide an evidence-based evaluation report and recommendations for future direction.
  • Lead on any procurement activity.

What’s not in scope:

  • Application Purchasing
  • Application Licensing

Timeline

  • Sept–Oct 2025

    Project foundation

    Technical analysis of current setup and usage patterns, plus market landscape research

  • Nov 2025

    Stakeholder engagement

    Survey faculty and students on application delivery needs and run focus groups with key user groups

  • Dec 2025

    Requirements definition

    Agree technical, functional, and service requirements

  • Jan–Mar 2026

    Evaluation & business case

    Assess platform alignment with requirements, produce evaluation report, and present recommendations to University leadership

  • Apr–Jul 2026

    Procurement

    Run procurement process, evaluate vendor responses, and award contract

  • Aug–Dec 2026

    Implementation preparation

    Complete setup, compliance registration, and onboarding preparation for contract start

  • Jan 2027

    New contract period begins

Meet Our Project Team

Profile photo of David Kane

David Kane

Project Manager – Educational Technology Services

Profile photo of Nicola Carrigan

Nicola Carrigan

Senior IT Specialist – Educational Technology Services

UCD IT Services

Computer Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Contact us via the UCD IT Support Hub: www.ucd.ie/ithelp