SIMS and Linux

[Ethain]

We currently use SIMS.net, but unless Microsoft replace Vista soon, we are almost certainly switching to Linux across the school. Does anyone know of a full web based interface to SIMS.net in the future (including FMS, registrations, timetabling and the other complex tasks)? Alternatively do they plan on making a native Linux client available?

 

If there is no way to do this with SIMS (no, VMs are not an option), then can alternative systems be recommended.

 

While I am on the subject of changing software suites, Becta file format specifications in the new(ish) "tech-spec for institutional infrastructures" lists Open Document Format as the required format for office applications. Since Microsoft does not support this, when will SIMS meet the Becta standard and allow other office suites to be used? (For example, Star Office, Open Office, IBM Workplace, Abiword, Google Docs, Wordperfect, Kword). The other file formats allowed include .txt and .rtf (which are not really viable for most things).

[meastaugh1]

Capita sell Sharepoint web parts (Learning Gateway) which allow web access to SIMS. I don't believe you could use this instead of the usual client though.

 

When you say no VMs, does this include ruling out using terminal services/citrix as this is probably the most viable option.

[CyberNerd]

I think the chance of Capita being able to recompile SIMS to run in Mono is minimal. They have enough problems getting it running on one platform. You could conceivably do a linux migration as long as you keep some MS terminal servers for SIMS as SIMS does run quite nicely in Citrix or windows terminal services. Remember that Capita are an MS partner so have commercial interest in supporting a MS only environment.

 

Whilst MS don't support ODT it is possible to use SUN's ODT plugin for office. It's possible to get it to save ODT as default to help ease migration. Also wrt SIMS in a TS environment :- you only need the office license for the Terminal Server that SIMS runs on.

[Ethain]

Interesting point, Terminal Services is an option.

 

Most of the time SIMS is only run on a couple of dozen machines. There is a burst of activity at AM/PM registration, so is there a web part for this?

[meastaugh1]

There is a burst of activity at AM/PM registration, so is there a web part for this?

 

Yeah, but it's not cheap.

 

Also wrt SIMS in a TS environment :- you only need the office license for the Terminal Server that SIMS runs on.

 

Are you sure about this? Is there any info regarding this on Microsoft's site to support this? I was under the impression that you needed a license for each client device that used Office.

 

http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/HA011403011033.aspx

[CyberNerd]

CMIS is mostly web-based if a SIMS->CMIS migration would be more cost effective?

[CyberNerd]

Quote::

Also wrt SIMS in a TS environment :- you only need the office license for the Terminal Server that SIMS runs on.

 

Are you sure about this? Is there any info regarding this on Microsoft's site to support this? I was under the impression that you needed a license for each client device that used Office.

 

your right, you need an office license for each device.

[Ethain]

We already have office licenses for the current machines, so that wouldn't be a problem. Rather than being lazy and ask here, I'm going to look up the required specs for the terminal server hardware. I am sure that will be publicly available.

[Ethain]

Oh, and many thanks for the answers everybody.

[kylewilliamson]

I'd recommend the terminal services route too - but if the vast majority of staff are just using it for registration, id go with the webparts.

 

Full on migration to something like Hebron is a nice thought, but it's alot of work on top of a school wide OS change.

 

Kyle

[fooby]

2x application server has a windows server and a linux client

 

i have experimented with this before

[sahmeepee]

We already have office licenses for the current machines, so that wouldn't be a problem.

 

It's not a problem now, but please bear in mind that at some point Capita will probably make Office 2007 a requirement for running certain parts of SIMS so you may still end up buying more Office licenses.

[russdev]

While I am on the subject of changing software suites, Becta file format specifications in the new(ish) "tech-spec for institutional infrastructures" lists Open Document Format as the required format for office applications. Since Microsoft does not support this, when will SIMS meet the Becta standard and allow other office suites to be used? (For example, Star Office, Open Office, IBM Workplace, Abiword, Google Docs, Wordperfect, Kword). The other file formats allowed include .txt and .rtf (which are not really viable for most things).

 

Technically if they support txt and rtf then they are fine but i think long term I can see capita moving to using an open standard. But think at moment and rightly so the main thing is to finish moving everything over to cp3.

 

Russell

[webman]

i think long term I can see capita moving to using an open standard.

 

 

sorry :|

 

[Geoff]

I can confirm that Sims.NET works fine as a published app from a Citrix terminal server, using Linux as a client. Pars works too.

[Ethain]

More very useful replies. I am off on holiday now, so will have to continue research and testing etc when I get back. Thank you all.

[wesleyw]

Terminal Services and Windows 2003 would be an option then you could published the lot and use it via a web browser in linux (As long as you didn't use Citrix IE client that is!)

 

 

Wes

[djm968]

Install SIMS on a Windows Terminal Server and run a Windows Terminal Session using a RDP client on the on the nix boxes. Best of Both worlds.

[infoseeker]

I only know one LEA and I think its near Leeds not quite sure will dig into this a bit more and report back , there is a SIMS suite for Linux base on unbuntu 0S

[infoseeker]

You might want to speak to Orwell High School, in Felixstowe on the East Coast of England, they are linux base

 

 

I think its about time that the LibLabCon got their own programmer who can write a free open source software for IMS system.

[webman]

I think its about time that the LibLabCon got their own programmer who can write a free open source software for IMS system.

 

I don't think Capita would be happy about that.

[infoseeker]

I think Capita needs to think on its ground here , because if they did make a move to Linux market I , think all schools would save loads of money and hence Capita could still sell their product at Market value.

 

 

I really like unbuntu OS and I feel its the right direction that the education market should go to.

[webman]

Capita, Microsoft and the UK Govt - all one big conspiracy?

[kmount]

Webman's hit the nail on the head in my opinion; a shame but if schools can't move to Open Office because SIMS won't work with it, there's some big fish already in situ!

 

By the way, it's Ubuntu not unbuntu and there are several schools using linux to the desktop; I guess it just depends upon what your needs are and just how much detail (less interpretation) is defined from the exam board.

[pete]

You might want to speak to Orwell High School, in Felixstowe on the East Coast of England, they are linux base

 

 

I think its about time that the LibLabCon got their own programmer who can write a free open source software for IMS system.

 

So not only a .gov IT project, but a .gov IT project where they're going to write their own software? Are you suggesting this in the happy knowledge that we'll all be retired before they pull their heads out of their arses and get something produced?

Edited March 16, 2010 by pete
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