Hosted Sims

[agsstaff]

Hi

Does anyone out there use the hosted version of SIMS?

We are due for a server upgrade and are looking to put some services in the cloud. We have already done the Finance System, Phone System and Library. The only thing left is SIMS really and there is no way that staff want to move from that at the moment.

[RLR]

We don't use SIMS own cloud system but we do use Scomis. It works well and staff can access it anywhere using RDP.

[JATSO]

Same as you they just do not want to move from SIMs.

We use the hosted service, hit and miss sometimes would I recommend it? probably not as pure internet based MIS would be better.

Been waiting for SIMs primary forever.

Edited October 14, 2020 by JATSO

[supportman]

General conensus from the other recent thread on this was to move to a proper cloud MIS.

 

All 3 main competitors are now native cloud, those being iSams, Bromcom and Arbour.

[DODICT]

just need to sit with any other provider and explain why they dont want to move - whatever you are doing in SIMS there are better ways and anything you think you are tied to will be available and then some in a modern fit for purpose MIS. You are costing yourself time and money on a weekly basis - its a false economy to think changing will occupy time you will be in a better place in weeks. Lots of schools changed in lock down and the first thing they say - 'why didnt we do this sooner' . . .

[DODICT]

And for Primary I would add scholarpack into the mix . . .

[supportman]

just need to sit with any other provider and explain why they dont want to move - whatever you are doing in SIMS there are better ways and anything you think you are tied to will be available and then some in a modern fit for purpose MIS. You are costing yourself time and money on a weekly basis - its a false economy to think changing will occupy time you will be in a better place in weeks. Lots of schools changed in lock down and the first thing they say - 'why didnt we do this sooner' . . .

 

Just echoing this myself as we moved in September, best decision I have made after I think going cloud email. Pretty much every teacher and SLT member agrees and has adapted with ease.

 

For teachers especially taking registers, doing behaviour recording and and room bookings are so much easier with an App or web based system.

 

It really has been amazing to leave the outdated Capita Sims system.

[j224]

We use hosted SIMS (hosted by local ICT company) and it's been absolutely fine.

 

But it is just temporary measure until we move to one of the cloud-based solutions in the next year or two.

[Jcx500]

Maybe go the azure route , or maybe get a cheap refurb server just for sims, Edited October 14, 2020 by Jcx500

[keyboards]

It's better than it was a few years ago, where it was basically a beta product.

[Zammo]

Its better in that you don't have to worry about patching and updates

 

It is however buggy in the way that sessions sometimes get stuck, freeze etc which requires either waiting for the session to time out or calling support

Being over remote protocol also adds a slight but noticeable interface lag

Adding 3rd party applications and transferring files to the SIMS instance is more convoluted

[jblackburnHWGA]

We have hosted. Its slow, buggy and annoying. We've had a lot of crashes especially at the start of a new term. You still need a connector tool to sync data.

 

Sims really need to move to a true cloud solution. Sims is looking very dated now.

 

If you really don't want to move to a true cloud service like arbor this is the next best thing. The pros are no updates and you can access it where you want. Also you don't have to worry about server backup

[paulkerton]

Sims really need to move to a true cloud solution. Sims is looking very dated now.

 

3 years, 6 months, 16 days since they launched SIMS 8 via press release, with an expectation of uncontrolled adoption from January 2018.