Alternative to CC4 CSE?

[andyturpie]

Hi Guys,

We are looking to migrate from CC3 to CC4 in the summer break, but we have had a look at quite a few of the alternatives, ranger, viglen classlink and CSE.

We were actually quite impressed with CSE it seems to give you a bit more flexability, but was wondering if any one uses the system and what their thoughts are re: migration and usage?

[GrumbleDook]

Funny you should mention this ... I was chatting with @Dos_Box about some of the interesting stuff coming out of MS at the moment and also about the idea raised about replacing CC3 with Windows InTune. I've not had a chance to look at the nuts and bolts of how you would plan it, but I have registered for the next Webinar from Microsoft Education Windows InTune to see what the options might be.

It could be an interesting project for a few folk to work together on.

[bossman]

@andyturpie:

We looked at CSE and a few others ages ago and in the end we went with CC4, we have not been disappointed, initially RM did have issues with the upgrade path but for a new install it is great and has been a good move as we bought early and cheaply when it first came out.

You could ask @Sylv3r as he has just had the latest CC4.3 commissioned at his site which is all virtualised. Give him a PM

[Michael]

Hi Guys,

We are looking to migrate from CC3 to CC4 in the summer break, but we have had a look at quite a few of the alternatives, ranger, viglen classlink and CSE.

There's also vanilla of course, Windows 7 and 2008 R2. If you're confident with managing servers, it'll be a lot cheaper than all the systems you've listed.

[andyturpie]

HI Guys thanks for the response. Our head has given us the go ahead for CC4, but after looking at CSE toolkit and seeing the simplicity behind it we maybe swayed.

@Michael, i have to admit vanilla isn't really an option for us, our AD skills aren't really upto much. My main aim is to try and still provide the same SLA to the school as the migration takes place - and every time I try to get myself on an MS cert course, the company goes t*ts up taking my funds with it. lol.

The quote from CSE should be arriving anytime soon will keep you posted

[cpjitservices]

Server 2008 R2, Samba 4 (Centos 6) as PDC and Windows 7 Clients.

[Michael]

i have to admit vanilla isn't really an option for us, our AD skills aren't really upto much.

That's fair enough I suppose. A managed solution of some kind may be more suitable. Even without any MS Certs, I would recommend you have a look at a vanilla solution and setup a test server on an old workstation. It's the best way to learn and in my experience, a lot more flexible in whatever you're trying to achieve for your educational establishment.

[andyturpie]

That's fair enough I suppose. A managed solution of some kind may be more suitable. Even without any MS Certs, I would recommend you have a look at a vanilla solution and setup a test server on an old workstation. It's the best way to learn and in my experience, a lot more flexible in whatever you're trying to achieve for your educational establishment.

What we found about CSE is that it is a step closer to a vanilla network, where as I have found with RM CC3/4 it seems to be very restricted/locked down and we have had issues with building and installing packages etc. Also the £40 per workstation for a CC4 licence could make a big difference in the total costings!

We also looked at Ranger, but that looked a wee bit scarey lol

Lots of stuff floating around the head - good times though!

[Oaktech]

ranger: gah, gah, gah...

[Michael]

RM networks are very good if you want a managed solution, however as you have pointed out, it can be expensive in the long run.

All I will say is CC3 and CC4 still use core Microsoft technologies - primarily Active Directory and this is used to manage users, computers and policies. Ranger again works in a similar fashion working on top of Active Directory.

[andyturpie]

ranger: gah, gah, gah...

Not a fan then? lol

[Oaktech]

Not a fan then? lol

perceptive...

[glennda]

Not a fan then? lol

I run Vanilla and help a school with ranger.... he only seems to have problems with it!

As Micheal has mentioned, once you get used to the basic's its actually a lot simplier, you may even find that you can get a decent support contract SLA for the Vanilla system for a few years to get you up and running for less monies then you pay RM.

[andyturpie]

I run Vanilla and help a school with ranger.... he only seems to have problems with it!

As Micheal has mentioned, once you get used to the basic's its actually a lot simplier, you may even find that you can get a decent support contract SLA for the Vanilla system for a few years to get you up and running for less monies then you pay RM.

Cheers Glennda,

That would be ideal, someone who would provide a support contract, but convert some of that support into training. We still have our 3rd line via LA and when tickets are raised, yes things get sorted, but there is an air of reluctancy to tell you how is has been sorted, understandably protecting their own interests.

[bashy]

Ranger is an RM company. More open.