HR Portal After Leaving Link2ICT

[foofighterjim]

Just putting this out there for information more than anything.

 

I have spoken to several schools in the last couple of months who are considering leaving Link2ICT. Amongst the questions I have fielded one is brought up nearly every time; will HR Portal still work if we move? The answer is a definite YES, HR Portal is a publicly accessible website and will work no matter who your ISP is.

 

The need for this post is because after a conversation I had today it appears that Link2ICT are still telling customers (at least the ones I have spoken to) that this is not the case. If you are in this scenario and have been told this in writing please post here or PM me, I would like to see if this is common practice to deter people from leaving.

[Michael]

It certainly used to be the case, but it's been open for the past few years now (top of my head). Plus of course AnyComms (the replacement for FCSLogin2) is also public.

[foofighterjim]

It certainly used to be the case, but it's been open for the past few years now (top of my head). Plus of course AnyComms (the replacement for FCSLogin2) is also public.

 

Indeed but from what I can see they are still telling customers incorrect information despite me brining it to their attention two years ago.

[dhm83]

I had scare stories from Link2ICT in January when I was looking to leave. Unfortunately Openreach could not get their job done in time so we had to go back to Link2ICT. Since then I have been determined not to fall in to the same trap again. We have been talking to other suppliers since March and we are going to leave this time around. We are looking to place our order for our new solution in January to get the new supply on-stream in plenty of time so we can test. It is interesting that the scare stories have started early this year. They told me that we will effectively cut you off from HR services/Voyager and CRISP and not support these products. I had to tell me Link account manager I know the school has a legal right to access the internal services. He eventually caved in and told me that BCC provided some software to bridge the gap but that there was a £2000 charge followed by a £1000 charge for each subsequent year. I am fed up of being hoodwinked and lied to. It is interesting that we have had no ICT Network Manager/Technician meeting this term. I have been tempted to see if we can set up our own meetings with our own suppliers to see if we can get better deals for our schools. If anyone is interested in doing something let me know. I have currently got all of Links subscription out to tender with other suppliers. There has to be a better way forward.

[dhm83]

The latest offering from Link2ICT to try and keep our business:-

 

As promised, following negotiations with suppliers and changes to our service delivery, we are now delighted to be able to offer these substantial reductions

for a 3 year commitment from yourselves. Full details of this competitive offer will be available in your annual subscription statement in January. However, if you are reviewing your connectivity service, we wanted to give you early notice of a compelling

reason to stay.

 

 

 

Link2ICT - more than just an ISP

 

If you are considering alternative connectivity, in addition to the substantial cost savings, we would like to take this opportunity to reinforce

why our service is more than just a standard broadband offer. It comes with a host of value added services including:

 

 

 

·

The necessary security and safeguarding measures to keep your learning community safe and aligned to education best practice

 

·

Provides assurance that the internet filtering included as part of our service ensures you meet the requirements of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015

 

·

On net access to BCC systems including CRISP

 

·

One point of contact that covers all of your Network, Internet and Business Support requirements

 

·

Over 15 years dedicated education experience,

we understand what it takes to provide the robust, reliable, connectivity necessary to manage schools and deliver quality teaching and learning

 

·

Access to resources and educational content such as National Education Network (NEN), JANET, services for schools

 

 

 

If you have any queries or would like any further advice about Connectivity and any other Link2ICT services, your account managers will be happy to help.

Please use the following to request a call or a visit from your Account Manager.

[Michael]

I think if you look at the raw numbers - the speed and type of service, along with the cost, I think you're going to be extremely hard pushed to beat or match their offering with a 25% discount over three years.

 

Now it's just a case of are you happy with their offering or service in general, which to be honest is a matter for each school.

[Brimstone]

I think if you look at the raw numbers - the speed and type of service, along with the cost, I think you're going to be extremely hard pushed to beat or match their offering with a 25% discount over three years.

 

Now it's just a case of are you happy with their offering or service in general, which to be honest is a matter for each school.

 

 

Sounds to me like you work for them....?

[Michael]

Sounds to me like you work for them....?

 

I can assure you I don't, I look at the facts - 100Mbps lease line, including firewall and filtering (all managed) for £7.5K? Who's doing an offer that can match this or beat it by a considerable amount to justify the effort moving?

 

It kind of makes me think about energy companies - saving £20 a year (in my opinion) doesn't justify the time/effort of moving.