What Florida State University Information Technology does

Florida State University Information Technology Services (FSU ITS) is the central IT organization for Florida State University, providing technology support and leadership to a captive community of more than 50,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees across the main Tallahassee campus, the Panama City campus, and the recently integrated Ringling campus in Sarasota. Following a 2024 university-wide consolidation ordered by Provost Jim Clark, ITS absorbed more than two dozen previously decentralized IT groups and now operates with 1,000+ combined employees delivering 113 distinct technology services that span enterprise productivity (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace for Education with Gemini, Zoom, Adobe Creative Cloud, LinkedIn Learning), identity and security (Duo 2FA, CrowdStrike Next-Gen SIEM with Charlotte AI, Cisco Secure Client VPN, FSUSecure WPA2-Enterprise Wi-Fi), research computing (HPC cluster with 25,260 teraflops added in 2025, RedCap), and data infrastructure (Snowflake data vault connecting 47+ campus systems with 1.4TB of compressed historical data). The organization has been recognized with a Gartner Eye on Innovation Award finalist nod (2024), Foundry's CSO Award for Third-Party Risk Management (2025), EDUCAUSE recognition for employee development, Microsoft Spotlight, and a 2026 Florida ORBIE Award to CIO Jonathan Fozard.

FSU ITS's core product platform combines licensed enterprise software and purpose-built internal tooling: a Microsoft 365 Copilot for M365 paid add-on ($210.04/user/year), custom AI applications including the AI Analytics Accelerator (student retention predictive ML), Ruby v2 service-desk chatbot, and the Decisions low-code workflow platform, alongside integrated student-facing systems such as Stellic degree management, StarRez housing portal, Respondus and Akindi academic-integrity tools, and a Microsoft Mesh immersive-media pilot, as well as an AI-powered virtual training environment for the College of Social Work built on MeetKai technology. The business model is non-commercial: services are funded through university operating budgets, the Student Technology Fee (cumulative $72.3M distributed, ~$4.2M/year current cycle), and departmental IT billing charges via the ITS Detailed Billing Report, with no direct revenue collected from students or faculty for core IT services. Distribution is direct to FSU's campus population through the ITS Service Desk, myFSU Service Center online portal, Student Computing Support walk-in center, Technology Enhanced Classrooms team, and the FSU Computer Store and ITS Software Store. Compliance posture covers NIST CSF 2.0 with NIST 800-53 controls, FERPA, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, and Florida FIPA.

Name

Florida State University Information Technology

Legal name

Florida State University

Website

https://its.fsu.edu

Company type

Public

Founded year

1851

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

FSU Information Technology Services is the central IT organization for Florida State University, delivering 113 enterprise technology, security, data, AI, and research computing services to 50,000+ students, faculty, and staff across Tallahassee, Panama City, and the Ringling campuses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education IT Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182), Security Systems Services (56162), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

IT Managed Services for Campus Operations (Service Desk, Endpoint, Network Ops) (EDAEALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Managed IT Services & On‑Site Field Support (Helpdesk, Break/Fix, IMAC) (EDAEAHAJ), Network & Wi‑Fi Design/Deployment (Campus LAN/WLAN) (EDAEAHAA), Cybersecurity Infrastructure for Campuses (Firewalls, SIEM tooling, Endpoint Mgmt) (EDAEAHAH), Network & Connectivity Support (Wi‑Fi, VPN, Dorm/Residence Network) (EDALAMAF), Online Technology & Computer Science Universities (EDAHALAH)

Keywords

• Higher education IT services
• Campus technology infrastructure
• University cybersecurity services
• Research computing platforms
• Educational technology support

Headquarters

HQ city

Tallahassee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. University IT Services (Internal): ITS provides 113 technology services to the FSU community as a central university IT organization. Services are funded through university operating budgets, student technology fees, and departmental IT billing charges. No direct revenue is generated from students or faculty for core IT services.
2. Professional Services and Consulting: ITS provides specialized technology consulting, implementation services, and professional development training to other university units and potentially external entities. Revenue supports specialized projects and training programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

FSU ITS operates as the central IT organization for Florida State University, delivering 113 distinct technology services to more than 50,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees. Core offerings span networking (FSUSecure and FSUGuest Wi-Fi, VPN), identity and access (Duo two-factor authentication), productivity and collaboration (Microsoft 365 suite, Google Workspace for Education with Gemini, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, Adobe Creative Cloud), research computing (HPC cluster with 25,260 teraflops of new GPU capacity, Snowflake data platform), cybersecurity (CrowdStrike SIEM with Charlotte AI), AI and immersive tools (Copilot for M365, Microsoft Mesh, Ruby v2 chatbot), student-facing platforms (myFSU Mobile, myFSUVLab, Stellic degree management, StarRez housing), and on-campus support (Student Computing Support, Assistive Technology Lab, Innovation Hub/Fablab).

Product overview

Florida State University Information Technology Services (ITS) operates as the central IT organization providing a comprehensive portfolio of technology products and services to over 50,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees. The portfolio is structured around a core platform of enterprise IT services (2FA/Duo, Wi-Fi networks, VPN, myFSU Portal, Identity Management) supplemented by productivity and collaboration tools (Microsoft 365 suite including Teams, OneDrive, Copilot, Office 365; Google Workspace for Education with Gemini), communication platforms (Zoom, Qualtrics, LinkedIn Learning, Adobe Creative Cloud), and specialized services (myFSUVLab virtual lab, Student Computing Support, Innovation Hub/Fablab). AI capabilities are delivered through Microsoft Copilot for M365, Microsoft Copilot for Web, Google Gemini, Charlotte AI (CrowdStrike) for security, and Ruby v2 chatbot. Research computing is supported through the Research Computing Center (HPC with GPU expansion) and Snowflake data platform. Recent additions include immersive technology (Microsoft Mesh pilot, AI-powered virtual training with MeetKai), modernized student tools (Stellic degree management, StarRez housing portal, ITS Intern Connect app), and academic integrity tools (Akindi, Respondus LockDown Browser). The ecosystem is governed by a comprehensive security framework aligned with NIST CSF 2.0 and funded in part by the Student Technology Fee program distributing approximately $4.2 million annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Microsoft Copilot for M365
• Microsoft 365 Suite (free for FSU community)
• FSUSecure Wi-Fi
• FSUGuest Wi-Fi
• Virtual Private Network (Cisco Secure Client)
• 2FA (Duo)
• myFSUVLab
• Innovation Hub / Fablab
• Student Computing Support
• Assistive Technology Lab
• Research Computing Center (RCC)
• Snowflake Data Platform
• FSU Data Vault
• FSU AI Analytics Accelerator
• Charlotte AI (CrowdStrike)
• Decisions (Low-Code Platform)
• Microsoft Intune Endpoint Management
• Google Workspace for Education
• Zoom
• myFSU Mobile
• FSU Computer Store
• ITS Software Store
• Stellic Degree Management
• StarRez Housing Portal
• Ruby v2 AI Chatbot
• ITS Intern Connect App
• AI-Powered Virtual Training Environment (College of Social Work)
• Microsoft Mesh (Immersive Media Pilot)
• Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program
• Student Technology Fee Program
• Garnet Gaming Lounge

Quantifiable outcome

• 518 million malicious attacks blocked through email filtering annually
• +10 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration35 records

AI capability11 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2025Partnership with FSU Division of Research for AWS Research Day promoting cloud innovation. Five faculty awarded up to $20,000 in AWS credits for research computing. ITS supports AWS certifications for professional development with $8,000 in bonus awards for staff.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic AI partnership including Microsoft Copilot Studio integration into university operations, Microsoft 365 Copilot pilot for faculty and students, Microsoft Mesh immersive media platform pilot, and Microsoft Intune for endpoint management. Microsoft visited FSU to document AI innovation efforts.
• CrowdStrikecoreTechnology or IntegrationDeployed Charlotte AI, a generative AI security analyst for automating detection, triage and response. Also uses Next-Gen security information and event management (SIEM) platform. Charlotte AI triages security detections with over 98% accuracy and reduces response times to under 60 minutes.
• SnowflakecoreTechnology or IntegrationCentral data platform for FSU's data strategy supporting analytics and AI-driven initiatives. Connected to 47 campus systems. Data vault safeguards over 1.4TB of compressed historical data. Enabled projects including audio transcription of 2,348 hours of content for $2,000.
• MeetKaiflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld-leading AI-metaverse company providing technology for AI-powered virtual training environment for College of Social Work. Uses cutting-edge 3D graphics and AI-powered engagement for realistic, scenario-based child welfare education training.
• Florida Institute for Child WelfareflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with ITS to launch AI-powered virtual training platform for child welfare education. Platform immerses social service workers in realistic environments preparing them for real-world fieldwork. Received national recognition for innovative approach.
• Florida LambdaRailcoreTechnology or IntegrationFlorida LambdaRail LLC provides next generation network technologies for advanced research, education and economic development activities. Used for internet connections between NWRDC and Robert Shaw Building with 100 gigabit network upgrades.
• Internet2coreTechnology or IntegrationCooperative effort of over 180 member institutions building high-speed national network for research and education connections.
• National Lambda RailcoreTechnology or IntegrationNational research education network providing high-speed connectivity for research and educational connections.
• Quality MatterscoreTechnology or IntegrationNationally recognized rubric used by FSU Online Quality Initiative for course review and certification process to improve student success in online environment. 164 quality course certifications produced.
• GooglecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to launch Google Workspace for Education at FSU including Docs, Drive, Gemini and NotebookLM. FSU joined Google's AI for Education Accelerator program for free AI training to students, faculty and staff.
• StarRezcoreTechnology or IntegrationUniversity housing portal for managing contracts, roommate preferences, assignments and payments. Successfully launched with over 5,500 contracts received in first week. ITS provided technical backbone including infrastructure readiness, data migration and user authentication.
• 11 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted CIOs from 11 ACC schools in Fall 2024 to discuss future of technology in higher education, exchange ideas, address shared challenges and explore collaborative solutions.
• Northwest Regional Data Center (NWRDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNWRDC provides software, infrastructure, storage and data center capabilities to Florida's higher education institutions, K-12 school districts and state/local government agencies. Saving customers $3.8 million annually as state of Florida's cloud broker.
• Florida Virtual CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFLVC provides educational support services to Florida's public postsecondary institutions, technical colleges, K-12 school districts and centers, serving more than 1.3 million students, faculty and staff across the state.
• The Ringling Campus (Sarasota)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIT units from The Ringling campus in Sarasota joined central ITS as part of 2024 IT resource alignment, expanding the organization and enabling greater collaboration on university technological priorities.

Scale indicators31 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• University of Florida Information Technology: Direct peer within the Florida State University System; operates with comparable scope serving 50,000+ students and shares technology infrastructure with FSU via FLVC and NWRDC partnerships. Both institutions manage similar IT managed services portfolios across campus operations.
• University of Central Florida Information Technology: Another Florida SUS peer serving a similarly large student body. Both institutions participate in shared Florida higher-ed IT infrastructure (FLVC, NWRDC) and face comparable state policy, funding, and regulatory environments.
• University of Michigan Information and Technology Services: One of the largest university IT organizations in the US with similar managed services portfolio across research, teaching, and administration. Comparable scale and multi-campus IT consolidation model to FSU's 2024 alignment.
• UNC Chapel Hill Information Technology Services: Comparable large public research university central IT organization serving students, faculty, and staff with similar managed services portfolio including research computing, cybersecurity, and instructional technology.
• Georgia Tech Office of Information Technology: ACC peer research-intensive university IT organization with comparable research computing, cybersecurity, and AI initiatives. Direct participant in the 11-school ACC CIO convening hosted by FSU in Fall 2024.
• Penn State Information Technology Services: Large public university IT organization serving 100,000+ users across multiple campuses with comparable scope in managed services, research computing, and student-facing technologies.
• Ohio State University Office of Technology and Digital Innovation: Big Ten peer research university IT organization with comparable scale and scope. Ohio State's multi-campus IT consolidation provides a relevant comparison point for FSU's 30%+ growth and unit alignment strategy.
• Clemson University Computing and Information Technology: ACC peer university IT organization that participated in FSU's 11-school CIO convening. Comparable research computing, instructional technology, and student services portfolio for a similar-sized public research university.

Broad incumbents

• EDUCAUSE: Higher education IT professional association that recognizes FSU ITS through workforce awards and peer learning. Operates broadly across the higher-ed IT ecosystem rather than competing directly, but shapes the standards and community FSU ITS engages with.

Others

• Internet2: Research and education network consortium providing high-speed connectivity that FSU ITS leverages via Florida LambdaRail. Acts as enabling infrastructure peer rather than direct competitor, but materially shapes the network options available to university IT organizations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/floridastateITS
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@floridastateITS
• Facebookfacebook.com/floridastateits
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/floridastateits
• Instagraminstagram.com/floridastateits

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Florida State University Information Technology