Help - Primary School Solution - Managed Network

[RobFuller]

I have been giving a local very small primary school some help recently to find a network solution for them.
We had 2 quotes done one with RM (yes I know) and one with Ergo. Ergo came out a lot cheaper so there governors have decided they want a third quote.

Can anyone recommend another provider, I know could quote simply do a vanilla network but these people are not that computer literate and I don’t have much time to spend helping them all the time. A managed package would be much better for them as they can get the support they need when they need it.

Any suggestions much appreciated!

Rob

[secman]

Speak to Dell. They are really pushing into education and will probably give you a good deal.

We are all Dell at both primary and comprehensive school and have found nothing to complain about.

Alan

[Geoff]

Vigelin are another option. They do a 'Classlink' solution for Schools.

[paul]

you on commission geoff ? As secman states ring Dell's schools team on 01344373047

[uk101man]

I've used SES COmputers in the past. They are very helpful, call Nick, Ian, Tim on 01305774402

[RobFuller]

Dell's not a bad idea, just got a grate price on a new server from them.
Ill give them a call!

Cheers.

[djm968]

How about a Thin Client solution from Evolved IT Contact Martin Heyman on 07930164040

[RobFuller]

How about a Thin Client solution from Evolved IT Contact Martin Heyman on 07930164040

They already have fat client machines, and they wish to use these within the new network.
They have and RM School Share at the moment, but that’s completely buggered!!

[djm968]

There is no reason they cannot still use their fat clients on a thin client network. There are a number of advantages to thin client especially in a primary school.

1) Robust kit.
Thin Clients are stateless and have no moving parts to break but if a thin client device fails, you just swap it out for one that works. No ghosting or imaging to worry about
2) TCO
Thin clients are cheaper to run and potentially double the refresh cycle and they also consume less energy.
3) Easier to configure
Thin client run a windows session on the terminal server, therefore application installation is simply a case of installing the software once on the server.
4) Hosted Solution
A terminal server environment can be hosted and managed externally almost completely removing the support burden from the school.

[RobFuller]

What about video with the whiteboard, i like thin client idea, but can never see it being used for whole school, surely?

[Geoff]

Only stuff thin clients have trouble with is 3d graphics. Video is ok, unless it's really high res.

Might be an idea to buy a bunch of DVD/VHS combo players and hook them up to the projectors too.

[nicholab]

I would say don't go with CC3 as it is a pain to migrate to new hardware. Try getting a ranger quote through a reseller they can do an RM style service. Also I would say that building work stations total rebuilds are a pain as are the MSI building tool RM give you. Have you also thought that giving some one a disk with image on it and then getting them to rename the system may be less work. Will you be running the MIS system on the same server more about the network please? If you do go the RM route buy all the hardware from a third party. Backup is also going to be fun on this system.

PS

**Health warning RM system may drive you mad.**

[RobFuller]

Yes im not so keen on CC3 idea myself.
Yes we want to integrate the Admin and Curr systems together and run Integris on that same server. (There management system)
I do like the idea of thin client; I might offer them that as a wild card idea, if there third local company doesn’t come back with a good solution.
Backup shouldn’t be too back, was using an AIT3 tape, Ergo's idea was external hard drives.

[nicholab]

I think you got a problem will RM let you run MIS on the Forest root I thought this was a no no? How many workstations are you having? I guessing you will need a SQL database tool to back up the database or can you stop it running then backup? Also look at future development and how this has an impact on it. Buzz works standard (RM=not), Best value and sustainability are use on the DFSE website.

What is currently there at the moment?

[phantomphan]

I'm in the same situation. I've had 4 quotes: RM, Ergo, Ranger x 2.

Ergo by far the cheapest and possibly simplist especially if teachers are managing it. We rejected this, 'cos we have a permanent technician on site (me! although only part time) and Ergo seems not to have as much functionality.

RM, very competitive quote and we are almost certainly going with them (groan, groan, groan - yes, I know all your Anti RM feelings thank-you).

The Ranger is from whatever reseller you choose to install it and we found their methods and cost varied considerably for the same network. One would take all the machines away and set it up then bring them back and set up on site, the other came in and charged by the day.

It was a very close call between Ranger and RM, both will supply what the school needs. As I said though, depending on who is running it on site, Ergo may well be the better choice. IMHO

PhantomPhan

PS I have heard that Thin Clients are not suitable for Multi Media applications and therefore might not be suitable as only option in a Primary School.

PPS Just noticed you are in Colchester, Rob. The better Ranger quote I got was from a company in Broxbourne, but do a lot of work in Essex. www.primaryitsupport.co.uk it might be worth giving them a try for a quote and they offer support.