Upcoming Technology Changes

As of August 1, 2026, BCIT computer lab stations will no longer automatically launch a browser upon login.  An AppsAnywhere shortcut will continue be available on the desktop and Google Chrome will continue to be pinned to the taskbar as seen in the screenshot below.

BCIT will be leveraging remote connections to BCIT lab computer stations. This was previously facilitated by Apporto virtual desktops which will no longer be available as of August 1, 2026.

The following Apporto virtual machines will continue to be available for certain specialized and course specific use-cases: Windows & Linux Cyberlabs, Forensics, Natus, and WAR desktops.

For more information on this new technology, please refer to the article: Remotely connecting to a BCIT lab computer

Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Project Online will reach end of life on September 30, 2026. After this date, the application will no longer be available or supported.

Please note that this does NOT affect the Microsoft Project desktop application, which will remain available for use on BCIT issued devices and lab stations.

ACTION REQUIRED:  If you currently have any Projects currently created in Microsoft Project Online, please save them as Microsoft Project files (.mpp) before the deadline to ensure continued access. Follow the steps below to complete this process:

1. Open Project Web App (PWA)
2. Go to Projects
3. Select the project you want to export
4. Choose Open → In Microsoft Project
5. When it opens in Project Desktop, save it as: File → Save As → .mpp
6. Store the file in OneDrive, or a secure local folder

After the deadline, the following technologies can be leveraged to replace the Microsoft Project Online functionality:

• Microsoft Project desktop application: Available to Install on BCIT issued Faculty & Staff devices via the Company Portal
• Microsoft Project desktop application: Installed automatically on all BCIT lab stations

Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Publisher will reach end of life on October 1, 2026. After this date, the application will no longer be available or supported.

ACTION REQUIRED: If you currently have any Microsoft Publisher files (.pub format), please make sure to convert them before the deadline to avoid losing access.  Microsoft provides a step-by-step guide on how to save or convert Publisher files to PDF or XPS.

After the deadline, the following technologies can be leveraged to replace Microsoft Publisher’s functionality:

• Microsoft Word: Installed by default on all BCIT issued Staff, Faculty & Lab computers
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Installed by default on all BCIT issued Staff, Faculty & Lab computers
• Adobe Express: This option is available to BCIT Staff and Faculty and must be requested via the ITS Service Catalogue

BCIT’s Adobe licensing agreement is set to expire in Summer 2026. Details about Adobe product availability and any changes to the licensing request process will be shared once they are finalized.