remote access for sims

[cjohnsonuk]

Has anyone got their systems set up to allow staff access to SIMS from home?

 

If so what are the options and what is the best/preferred method?

 

So far we know of the following:

TSing in to school (using our citrix) to run from our live sims data so that all the data remains on site and we use technology and methods we are already familiar with.

Using "offline" mode in SIMS but this means lots of personal data off site on lots of laptops and lots of opportunities for data synchronisation to fail if when the laptops get brought back on site.

 

Is there a web interface that could be added to sims to allow access to update sims over https?

 

Any pointers as to what to watch out for would be appreciated.

 

CJ

[m2d2]

Using "offline" mode in SIMS but this means lots of personal data off site on lots of laptops and lots of opportunities for data synchronisation to fail if when the laptops get brought back on site.

CJ

 

Teachers Desktop (SIMS caching data to standalone MSDE instance) is no longer supported.

[mrforgetful]

We just give a couple of people Remote Desktop to an old server here.

[Ric_]

@cjohnsonuk: I intend to use Citrix... as you say, it is a familar technology that I trust. You can even configure policies so that remote access is not allowed to save or print to client devices - this should help protect data a little. You can also use Citrix via a web browser just to publish the SIMS application(s) you want.

[klawd]

We use 2x ApplicationServer on a server, publishing SIMS, and some other applications.

 

This means we can tunnel SIMS, provide seamless application windows (so it looks like its running on the users own PC) and dont have to expose an RDP connection to the world.

 

Works well, apart from the SIMS splash screen which displays slowly.

[vikpaw]

All staff have laptops with sims installed.

 

They can have VPN access to the school network from home and so they can just run sims directly.

 

Not too worried about them printing or downloading data as it's only as secure as when they do it at school and take it home or leave it lying around.

 

Works okay for us. The only downside is if they are working when the backups take place it can cause the logs not to truncate fully and some stuff may not be backed up for that night. At the moment not too many people use it that way.

 

As it increases i'd have to enforce some sort of log on hours for the server.

[Gatt]

I'm trialing Windows 2008 TS's RemoteApps.. Works well but a major problem is printing..

 

I can see my re-directed printer, but when i click "Print" nothing happens on the printer.. and no jobs go into the queue...

[Hoggy]

Looking to implement SIMS Learning Gateway as most teaching staff only require read/write access to Assessment Manager and Profiles modules . As you probably know SLG will also allow parents and pupils read access to various data items. We will probably also recommend VPN but only for the minority of users who need full access.

[cjohnsonuk]

Any idea of the cost of the Learning Gateway? Are you speaking to Capita Direct? We get our SIMS support through our LEA so we don't have a direct contact within Capita. Do you have contact details? (please).

 

CJ

[PhilNeal]

Our sales desk can be contacted on 01234 838080. They will also be able to let you know if your LA has expressed interest in rolling out SLG.

[Toby.Belfield]

We give all power users (ie Exams Officer, Headteacher, Bursar) access to SIMS from home, via VPN. The speed is very similar to being within school.

 

However, we will look to SIMS Learning Gateway to provide easy access to core functionality (for teachers, pupils and parents) - such as writing reports, assessment marks and attendance.

 

I think that this "joint" solution is the best one!