COPE

This service is now LIVE!

IT Services have officially launched a new laptop service for researchers. Developed in response to feedback from users of the previous managed Research Desktop Service (mRDS) and in collaboration with QM academics and researchers, COPE is a variation on the managed service that allows its user the ability to install and modify applications as the please. The service will launch with Windows and MacOS, followed by Linux later in the year.

Continue reading for more information regarding COPE. Alternatively, find out more about the Managed Device Service.

 

Overview

 

The COPE service forms part of QM’s ongoing work towards discontinuing the self-managed estate, which began with the Managed Service Rollout (MSR) project launch in Autumn 2020. Attempts to create a managed service appropriate for the advanced needs of researchers and academics began in 2022 with the launch of the managed Research Desktop Service (mRDS). This service allowed users to install and test unmanaged applications through a Virtual Machine (or virtual sandbox).

While this service was appropriate for users who needed to quickly install and operate non-QM-approved applications for testing purposes, the processor-heavy operation of the built-in VM made mRDS unsuitable for users with high computational needs. Based on feedback gathered from mRDS users in 2024, it was decided that a new version of mRDS was required, one that allowed for both instantantenous installation of unpackaged software and the operation of software with high processor usage.

IT Services began work on COPE in early 2024 through consultation and feedback sessions with users of mRDS. Based on the results of these sessions, the Client Devices and Security teams developed a build for Windows and Mac that enables the operator to elevate their admin rights and make changes to the computer as and when required. This build was then tested over a three month period from December 2024 to February 2025 with 19 academics and researchers from schools and institutes within Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Humanities and Social Sciences using COPE devices exclusively throughout this time.

How does COPE work?

COPE devices are managed devices equipped with software that permits users to elevate their admin privileges. Once the software is active, users can install and make as many changes to software and system settings as they please (including the installation of new applications) within a pre-determined time period. There is no limit on how many times the software can be activated within a day and permissions will continue if a task extends beyond the time limit of an initial activation.

As with a managed device, COPE devices are equipped with security controls to protect your device and the wider QM network from online threats. Building on a shared responsibility model, maintenance of a COPE device is split between the user and IT services. This means that while certain tasks (such as maintaining the device’s physical security, updating non-standard QM applications) falls on the user, other tasks (such as installing security and operating system updates) will be handled automatically by IT Services.

Please note that COPE is currently only available on Windows and Mac. A Linux version is planned to be launched later this year.

Some benefits of COPE over self-managed and managed devices include:

• Freedom to work as you wish – elevate your admin privileges to make changes to your device
• A combination research and administrative device – you can connect to QM services and business critical systems from the same laptop as you would perform your research work, removing the need to use two devices
• A safe place to work – tight security controls that stop online threats from interfering with your work
• Reduced operating time – you don’t need to worry about updating your device’s security and operating system
• A higher specification of machine – COPE Windows devices come with 64GB of RAM, and COPE Mac devices come with 16GB of RAM as standard

 

User experiences

 

COPE is already used by a number of academics and researchers throughout QM. Read on to learn what they had to say:

“I have used an experimental COPE laptop since December 2024. While I was expected to return this laptop in March, I’ve kept it and am so happy that I’m reluctant to return it.” Professor Steve Uhlig, Head of School for the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Sciences and Professor of Networks

“Overall, speaking as a molecular cell biologist, I find the COPE device a huge step up, as I have been able to install and use most of the software that I need for my research.” Dr Gernot Walko, Senior Lecturer in Squamous Cell Carcinogenesis, Institute of Dentistry

“I think this system is much better than both fully managed and virtual machine-based management systems for laptops (which is what I had previously). This approach improves productivity, provides more freedom, and results in a much better user experience overall.” Martina Occhetta, PhD Student, School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences

“My school migrated to the managed service earlier this year. Our staff members with COPE devices are very satisfied with the functionality.” Professor Alp Atakan, Head of School for the School of Economics and Finance and Professor of Economics

“I really enjoyed using this device. Having the admin rights made it much easier for me to download the (non-standard) software I needed and to make changes to various settings on my machine.” Dr Elizabeth Simon, Postdoctoral Researcher in British Politics, School of Politics and International Relations

 

Device Specifications

 

The COPE service is available on Apple and Dell laptops. Specific models provided through the MSR & Device Refresh project are subject to availability.

If you have any questions regarding the specifications of the device you will receive as part of this rollout please contact the MSR Project via its-msrproject@qmul.ac.uk.

Converting existing devices to COPE

If you request COPE, you will be provided with a replacement device of one of the two models listed above, depending on your current device usage. However, it is possible to reimage your current QM device if it matches the following criteria:

• Can run the latest operating systems (macOS v15 or Win11)
• Is a laptop
• Is made by Dell or Apple
• Uses hardware that is still supported by its vendor (typically less than 5 years old)

While it is possible to reimage a desktop as COPE in some cases, laptops are preferable due to their increased flexibility and compliance with QM's Hybrid Working Policy. Installation of COPE on a desktop can be considered in exceptional circumstances.

 

How to request a COPE device

 

If you are already working from a self-managed device, a member of the MSR project will contact you to arrange your migration.

If you are working from a managed device or are new to QM then you can raise a ticket for a COPE laptop via Service Now. You will be required to complete an assessment process.  

 

For more information on COPE, please consult our list of Frequently Asked Questions: COPE FAQs [PDF 354KB]