The Agricultural Research Information System (ARIS) is being implemented as part of the ICAR nation-wide network programme. This is being implemented under the full assistance of the ICAR. The programme started in March 1996, with an assistance of Rs. 50.00 lakhs from the ICAR. During the first phase, Local Area Networks were set up at the Headquarters and the five Zonal Research Stations (ZARs). Later, the Central Library and all the Colleges under the KAU were also included in the WAN. The implementation was done by M/s. CMC Ltd. The LAN implementation is on a full scale basis at the Main Campus at Vellanikkara, with a fiber optic backbone and the building LANs on UTP. In the Zonal Stations, the LANs are confined to single rooms. Building LANs have been installed in all the Colleges. In March 1998, the ICAR released an assistance of Rs. 32.00 lakhs, for setting up ARIS computer rooms at the eight colleges under the KAU. These rooms will be maintained as central facilities.

In March 1999, the second phase of the programme was started under the ISD component of the NATP, with an assistance of Rs. 40/- lakhs from the ICAR for the creation / strengthening of the LANs at the eight colleges under the KAU. LAN hardware like hubs and switches, high capacity UPSs to provide power to the computers and peripherals inside the ARIS rooms etc. have been procured. The ICAR has provided funds for the procurement of two additional VSATs for the KAU. These VSATs are in place at the Veterinary College, Mannuthy and the Agricultural College, Vellayani.

• Dr. V. Balaji, formerly of the MSSRF, Chennai, is the IT consultant for KAU.
• The Information Systems Task Force (ISTF), under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor, takes policy decisions in IT matters.
• The Computer Clearance Committee (CCC) examines and approves the proposals from the various research stations/offices for procurement of computers and peripherals and also finalizes the specifications of computerware to be sourced. Hardware specifications and prices are fixed centrally at the University level to ensure hardware and software standardization and inter-operability.
• Microsoft Office is the approved office suite of the KAU. Software is procured in bulk from Microsoft Corporation, under licensing scheme.
• The Information Systems Management (ISM) Group looks after the management of the KAU WAN. IT Nodal Officers at all the Colleges and the ZARSs are responsible for the management of the local LANs. The KAU Website is set up under the auspices of the ISM Group.