Coordinated IT
Coordinated IT aims to actively support the core activities through a uniform, cost-effective, and secure management of the IT environment at Karolinska Institutet. Coordinated IT is driven by the central IT Office on behalf of the University Management.
Background
Historically, the responsibility for the majority of IT-related issues has formally been placed with each department. This meant that the IT environment at KI differed greatly between departments and that there was a lack of coordination in IT issues. Many departments have had to buy hardware and maintain servers and software on their own - something that required resources in the form of both time and expensive investments.
The University Board has decided to coordinate IT centrally at KI, partly in order to gain a better overview of KI's IT investments and thus be able to benefit from coordination gains and meet the increasingly stringent requirements for IT security.
Being part of Coordinated IT
In short, being part of Coordinated IT means access to, among other things:
- Centralised modern storage with high security.
- Centrally managed client service (KI Karyon) with PC and Mac computers, for user-friendly and secure management.
- Secure cloud storage for all employees that backs up all content from specific folders on the computer.
- Helpdesk user support available during office hours combined with physical service desks that can provide additional support when needed.
- Simple procedures for purchasing IT equipment and software licences.
- Centralised multi-function printers with "follow me" functionality, enabling the use of printers in all KI buildings on campus.
- Management of the departments' central servers.
With Coordinated IT implemented
- We have established a common KI standard for networks, computer clients, storage, printing and identity management (common Active Directory, AD).
- System needs, licence management and purchasing are coordinated for the whole of KI.
- A shared, centralised administration and user support for computer clients and standard software in the IT Office.
- Use of KI's central data centre and services to operate servers and storage.
Leading to
- Increased IT and information security.
- Increased efficiency in management and resource utilisation.
Focus on information security
Fokus på informationssäkerhet
- Increased security through the 'layered approach': a structured security architecture that protects information assets and reduces risks.
- Centralised identity management: Efficient management of user identities via a central directory (IDAC) that strengthens traceability and meets legal requirements.
- Structured network infrastructure: Segmentation and strict connectivity policies that ensure protection against unauthorised access and reduce disruption.
- Secure and managed IT equipment: Standardised, encrypted and centrally managed client services contribute to a secure and up-to-date IT environment.
- Efficient storage and access control: Centralised storage solutions with controlled access to data and systems, ensuring integrity and availability.
Is it possible to describe Coordinated IT very briefly?
For certain standard IT services, responsibility is transferred from the department to KI's central IT Office. These services are:
- Client management
- Ordering of software and some license management.
- Storage.
- Networks.
- Server operation (IaaS or IaaS+).
- Administration of authorisations via a central Active Directory.
- Printing.
Why has KI initiated this project?
To increase information and IT security and utilise resources more efficiently. A general Swedish National Audit Office assessment states that information security at Swedish higher education institutions shows significant deficiencies. Coordinated IT is KI's measure to meet the requirements.
Do all departments have to participate?
Yes, they do. The University Director has decided that when the project is completed, all departments will be included.
Does it include all IT at a department?
No. The department remains responsible for operating, administering, and supporting specialised systems and proprietary solutions (such as lab and instrument computers). However, server operation should be carried out in the ITA's central data centre.
What does it cost?
The ITA bears the cost of implementing the project except for the resources that the department must provide (which vary from department to department). In addition, the cost of computer rental, storage utilisation, and server operation is charged according to a fixed price list. However, it is wrong to say that this is an additional cost, as it is a cost that the department has already incurred but in a different form.
I have a new computer. Do I have to replace it?
As a rule, a new computer can be migrated to a new standard and does not need to be replaced. It should be emphasised that many take the opportunity to switch their entire client base to the rental computer option in order to have a uniform and cost-effective solution for their computers.
What happens to my old computer?
Each department decides what to do. A relatively new computer can be purchased from our partner after everything installed and stored on it has been securely erased. This generates a kickback on the residual value to the department or research group.
I am part of a research group that shares documentation on Dropbox. Will I be able to continue doing so?
No, and this applies regardless of whether you are part of Coordinated IT. Equivalent solutions exist that meet KI's security requirements and with which KI has valid agreements with suppliers. Read more on Store and share files.
How far has the project come, and when will it be completed?
Most departments are incorporated or ongoing. The plan is that the project is finalized in 2026.
If I need help, how does it work?
ITA offers several support channels between 8 and 17. You can reach the Helpdesk via KI Self Service, telephone, or a service desk visit.
Timetable for remaining departments and operational support
Today, most departments and professional services at KI are part of Coordinated IT. When a migration to Coordinated IT begins at a department, the work is led through a steering group with representatives from both the department and the IT Office. The IT Office's project manager convenes this well in advance of the project start. A timetable for the migration of the remaining departments, decided by the University Director, looks like this:
Ongoing projects
- Dentmed (Department of Dental Medicine)
- MEB (Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics)
- OnkPat (Department of Oncology-Pathology)
- KBH (Department of Women’s and Children’s Health)
- MMK (Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery)
Initiated in 2025
- CNS (Department of Clinical Neuroscience)
- KIB (University Library)
Contact us
Contact project manager Johan Junhav or Jan Värmon if you have any questions.