Dear Link2ICT, we need to talk........(NM meeting)

[Michael]

I agree some of the proxy boxes are old, but I believe 'the plan' is to eventually take out local proxies and slowly have every site talk to the core directly. This makes some sense, but no doubt the core will have to be considerably beefed up, so it won't happen every night.

 

With regards to the firewall - I'm in two minds, and Link2ICT know I very much speak my mind. A big central firewall does make some sense, but then again, for the on-going management costs and indeed the cost of the firewall itself, would it not have been better for every site to have its own firewall, with delegated control? It may have worked out considerably cheaper too, plus you reduce the odds considerably of the whole of the BGfL being taken out as we saw late last year.

 

This is pretty much the method any major business ISP will use. They don't have one massive firewall at the local exchange for example. The BGfL would/could still exist if every school had a 'real' local firewall rather than a big centrally managed one which you'll probably sign into a secure intranet page and manage it from there.

The only reason delegated would be better, is so options of blocking port 80 or 443 would be removed as someone will accidentally tick the wrong box and instantly everything comes to a halt.

[Michael]

With regards to submitting data to the LA, I genuinely think this is for Birmingham City Council themselves to resolve. Either they should pick up the tab or a cost effective method needs to be developed.

 

Whatever the reasons, a non-negotiable fee of hundreds of pounds per year, per establishment just to submit data is tax payers money poorly spent. Birmingham City Council have a duty to make this easy and free for schools. You don't have to pay to see your local MP now do you, so why should schools pay? When Birmingham City Council need the data or more to the point, they're expected to collect it they should absorb any 'technical' costs.

[CHR1S]

No reply from my Account Manager.... anyone else have any luck?

[Michael]

I get the impression the poor account managers are seriously over worked. There are 4 for the whole of Birmingham, which is a little on the low side. By that calculation, that's 100 sites+ per account manager. That's far too high a ratio.

[nicholab]

That probably would be ok if all the customer did not work on the same years and have all the demand at the same point through out the year.

[Michael]

That probably would be ok if all the customer did not work on the same years and have all the demand at the same point through out the year.

 

I agree and this is something we can raise at the meeting (if you're able to come)? I think the problem is you're going to have very busy times of year and comparatively quiet times, so getting the balance right is crucial - but still, I think 4 is on the low side.

[foofighterjim]

Is there any update on the venue?

[Michael]

No update, but would be nice to know so I can decide driving vs. train getting there. So how many eggs will you guys be bringing? And no, I don't mean the chocolate kind!

[CHR1S]

I get the impression the poor account managers are seriously over worked. There are 4 for the whole of Birmingham, which is a little on the low side. By that calculation, that's 100 sites+ per account manager. That's far too high a ratio.

 

This might be blunt but so what? That's not our problem!

 

They shouldn't make promises they are unable to keep.

If they keep this up I'm sure the ratio of schools to managers will soon drop to a much easier to manage level

[Michael]

I couldn't agree more, but you have made them aware you're not happy with the response times or communication? Every organisation should be given an opportunity to improve, however, the messages people are writing here are all valid and are all pretty much consistent.

 

I see this meeting as a real opportunity to raise issues and to speak to people directly. If by the end of that session you're not satisfied with the answers, then you look at your options and discuss it with the key people in your school.

 

Put it this way, I don't normally attend Link2ICT conferences/meetings, but I've been asked to go especially, due to the high importance as I am very much their voice (schools). I regularly express my frustration when it comes to policies/procedures and sometimes I agree and disagree with the responses given - that's life

[CHR1S]

After CC'ing two head teachers, two deputies and the Office manager into the last email I got a phone call..... surprise surprise!

[Michael]

After CC'ing two head teachers, two deputies and the Office manager into the last email I got a phone call..... surprise surprise!

 

There you go, it's like magic

[Little-Miss]

No update, but would be nice to know so I can decide driving vs. train getting there. So how many eggs will you guys be bringing? And no, I don't mean the chocolate kind!

 

I shall see if I can find out if there is any news....

[MrPstv]

I get the impression the poor account managers are seriously over worked. There are 4 for the whole of Birmingham, which is a little on the low side. By that calculation, that's 100 sites+ per account manager. That's far too high a ratio.

 

I HAVE TO AGREE!

Stress must be a big factor....

[MrPstv]

Form completed and faxed off...

Any idea of where this is being held?

Any where than Fort Dunlop....

[foofighterjim]

Any idea of where this is being held?

 

Still no idea on that one. Out of interest has anyone had confirmation of booking? I sent mine last week but have not had anything back.

[MrPstv]

Called them today and they said we should know by the end of the day where this event is being held.

[MrPstv]

Just got off the blower, the meeting is being held @

The Pavilion

Moor Lane

Birmingham

B6 7AA

 

Not sure if a spread is being laid on,will need to inquire closer to said date..

[foofighterjim]

Cool, not too difficult to get to from my home. Thanks.

[Michael]

Not far from the Chester Road then. Is there parking here?

[foofighterjim]

Not far from the Chester Road then. Is there parking here?

 

Yes, free too.

[MrPstv]

Not far from the Chester Road then. Is there parking here?

 

Here you go:

 

Conference Facilities Available

PA equipment available for hire.

Full catering service available for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Conference Assistant on hand throughout the day.

Free Car Parking.

Hearing Loop available on request.

Stunning pavilion terrace

Free Wi-Fi

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Ooh errr

[CHR1S]

Not far from Villa Park

[Michael]

Free Wi-Fi - Providing the firewall doesn't crash!

 

Here you go:

 

Conference Facilities Available

PA equipment available for hire.

Full catering service available for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Conference Assistant on hand throughout the day.

Free Car Parking.

Hearing Loop available on request.

Stunning pavilion terrace

Free Wi-Fi

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Ooh errr

[MrPstv]

Free Wi-Fi - Providing the firewall doesn't crash!

 

Oi that's a bit cheeky fella..