datajar.mobi applications

LSE distributes software via its computer management systems – those of you who use Apple devices will see this as the dataJAR.mobi portal, and those with Windows devices will see this as the Microsoft Company Portal. These are both often referred to as the LSE App Store or Self Service.

On LSE devices the various App stores are not available (Apple Store, Google Play, Microsoft Store), because one side effect of registering computers in a management system is that the standard app stores can no longer be used on them. Thus we have to deliver the software you need via the LSE App Store. We've already packaged most of the software you should need, but if you require anything else, we explain below how to request it. 

We have a small team within DTS that manages requests and packages the software for deployment. Sometimes it’s as simple as popping a pre-existing installation package into our self service portals, and this would therefore normally happen within 24 hours of the initial request. Sometimes the process takes longer, as special scripts may have to be written to install the software appropriately (for example, DTS may need to add a licence code, or we may need to source the installer package first). 

DTS will then ensure that all software is updated on a regular basis for functionality, security updates and identified vulnerabilities. For most software this is within 7 days of a security update being released, though for more specialised software deployments it can take longer. 

Please fill in the form https://forms.office.com/e/F8m3sVZETt . Requests via the form are reviewed on a daily basis and if no particular issues are identified software is packaged as above and deployed into self service. 

Please note that this includes apps that are from the various app stores (Apple / Google Play / Microsoft Store). As an educational establishment we need to “buy” these (even those that are free) using a specific form of licensing to allow us to deploy these across the School. On very rare occasions a publisher will not permit this form of licence. If this is the case than DTS will work with you on alternative solutions.  

However, there are occasions when a request may take longer to process for a number of reasons; 

• Some software will only be deployed if there is an appropriate business case – as the software may otherwise be detrimental to the integrity of the LSE network and systems (for example, Wi-Fi scanning software).  

• Some software requires changes made to other LSE systems (for example remote access) which in some instances cannot be made. If this is the case than DTS will work with you on alternative solutions.  

On rare occasions some software may be outright refused to protect the integrity and security of data (for example non approved threat detection, vulnerability scanning, package managers, unsupported methods of remote connection that bypass our necessary perimeter security). It may also be illegal/inadvisable for LSE to provide some software on its computers – perhaps as a result of licensing restrictions or advice from Jisc, NCSC etc. 

For some software LSE may have a School licence that allows use by all staff. However if this is not the case then your department or division will be to pay for the software. In this case you will be asked to supply a budget code for the purchase. 

Each member of LSE staff making a request for software that is not fully licenced and deployed by the School is responsible for ensuring that all software that is requested and used in accordance with any licence conditions (for example some software is prohibited for non-personal use, it may store data in the cloud or in countries with poor legislation around data privacy, or it may be subject to export restrictions). For apps that require a paid for personal licence, this is the responsibility of the user to ensure that this can be activated / verified in a corporate environment.  

These applications are installed by default and can be viewed by using the Launchpad or Finder/Applications in the normal way. 

MacOS Installed Applications

 LSE Default Installed Applications

For more information on any application, please click the web link provided. There are a number of very similar applications in the list, e.g. PDF software, so we may already have an application that does what you require. 

Please note that after any installation, if the application does not immediately appear inside Launchpad/Finder, then often a full restart is required or a logout and login from the Apple Menu to complete the installation process, e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop. 

Please see a list of available bookmarks in the LSE Self Service portal. 

The following is a example of applications that are unsuitable for use within the LSE environment. It is not exhaustive and provided only as a guide.

If an application you really need is on this list, please contact us via email and we'll work with you to find a suitable alternative, or to provide a business case for the software.

• Threat detection / vulnerability scanning software : McAfee Anti-Virus
• Package Managers: Homebrew, OhMyZsh
• Commercial VPN: ExpressVPN, NordVPN
• Remote Access: AnyDesk, TeamViewer
• Messaging: Weibo, QQ
• Cloud Based Storage: pCloud, IceDrive
• Legacy (no longer published/supported): Freemind, Stuffit Expander
• Unsupported Hardware<->Software: reMarkable, BOOXDrop

For applications deployed via our self service portal, DTS will ensure security updates are rolled out within 14 days, feature updates may take a little longer.

• Auto Update: Applications DTS & dataJAR jointly ensure are updated.  
• LSE: Applications DTS ensure are updated, often because they require special School licence, or they may require DTS to manually install the update.  
• VPP: Applications DTS deploys and updates from Apple via a special type of licence (Volume Purchase Programme) for educational establishments.

For practical purposes - none - behind the scenes it is partly how the applications are packaged and deployed in our management system. The ones labelled "request" are our Auto Update applications.

The ones labelled "install" are our LSE / VPP applications.

From the listing simply click the provided link to read more about an application. Within the mobi store you'll also find a brief description of an application, licence information and sometimes a pointer to similar software.

In this case please contact us via email and we'll work with you to find a suitable alternative, or to provide a business case for the software.