Cloud School Replacement

[nhrc]

In the spirit of trying to help colleagues in a similar position...

When Advanced notified us that they were halting all development of the product, I saw the writing on the wall and started to look at alternative MIS systems immediately, with a view to having something set up by July 2023. Never did I imagine they would pull the plug so soon and I cannot imagine what schools must be going through right now. I did 3 months of research, meetings and investigation. We were a big user of Cloud School - I had developed my SSRS skills and we had a suite of widgets to support staff, students and parents alike. All students and parents used the portal, so getting a new system that allowed us to continue to build on this base was important. I have just signed a contract with a new MIS provider.

 

If there are schools out there who would like to know more about what I looked at and the reasons for the choices we made, I would be happy to share them. If there is enough interest, I could host a Zoom meeting to prevent having to repeat myself over and over again.

I have not really used EduGeek much before, but this is a place I do go to from time to time (usually when there is a problem), so I am guessing some of the schools affected may be looking for guidance. If others know of other forums that may find this helpful, do let me know!

[NickBryson]

interested !

[nhrc]

Hi. I'll see if there is any other interest today and try and make contact after school in person or on a Zoom call with others.

[Ditto]

Ex Progresso user, but still interested.

When did the announce end of development? When did they say they are pulling the plug. In some ways, I'm not surprised given market movements over the last few years and losing one of the bigger MATs must have been the last straw. I had my doubts about the longevity probably 5 years ago. I'd even got as far as being in deep discussion about being there product development manager, but in addition to I'm no fan of a commute, I really felt it would be a big risk career wise.

 

I came to Progresso as it was settling down after an initial disastrous launch. I'm not sure they ever really recovered from that, but I felt the product wasn't so bad and had some excellent features. I have wondered whether ESS should buy it out and start from there for their cloud offering! Presumably it would be going at a bargain price?!

[DataWomager]

Hi I am interested.

Especially if the meeting is today.

[nhrc]

I will host a meeting at 4:30pm for anyone interested:

 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89246973673?pwd=TXdSOE81UFBPTUdpQjBJZExMM0VsQT09

[Ditto]

On my way - Zoom is updating!

[nhrc]

Jon Gill has just confirmed that Advanced will NOT be offering any archive solution so we will have to take all data via the API / Reports and store it elsewhere.

[TechMonkey]

Out of interest, who did you sign with?

[jreberpoole]

Hi--sorry I missed the zoom call yesterday--I have just been notified of this, and only received confirmation from OA today. I had no idea they were pulling the plug. Please let me know if anyone organises another zoom call. I will have to start looking at alternative suppliers immediately, would appreciate the wisdom of others.