adeasha Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 Am having to make a decision about our new server. We are a one form entry primary school currently still on an RM Storebox and need to upgrade to the 21st century. Have heard CC3 may not give us all the functionality we need and don't know enough about CC4. Can anyone give me advice on whether we should opt for CC3, CC4 or do you know of any other possible server network options?
meastaugh1 Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 Have heard CC3 may not give us all the functionality we need and don't know enough about CC4. What functionality do you need?
Sylv3r Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 If your only considering the two options mentioned CC3 will do more and above what you are probably wanting to implement. Some people have had issues with CC4 and its not the finished article yet, but those that haven't had issues have installed a fresh install rather then a server upgrade so you could also go down that route also.
PiqueABoo Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 I don't think you can get CC3 now. They're less likely to show up so often on a small system, but CC4 has the same bugs whether it's an upgrade or new install, The show-stopper may well be the realistic hardware specification you need for decent performance on CC4 system PCs/Laptops - if they're good enough to run Vista well they will be as good as it gets - something like a three year old box with 512MB RAM is the absolute minimum.
EduTech Posted March 30, 2009 Posted March 30, 2009 Be interesting to hear what kind of fuctionallity you mean... i think if you have the option i would look into plain windows if these meets the fuctionality you require... James.
adeasha Posted March 31, 2009 Author Posted March 31, 2009 If your only considering the two options mentioned CC3 will do more and above what you are probably wanting to implement. Some people have had issues with CC4 and its not the finished article yet, but those that haven't had issues have installed a fresh install rather then a server upgrade so you could also go down that route also. Our current server is short on memory so need additional space to load new software centrally for all stations and do back ups regularly. Also need to have connection to the borough data centre for remote maintenance. And would also like teacher control for the pupil pcs in the suite. Will CC3 provide all this?
adeasha Posted March 31, 2009 Author Posted March 31, 2009 What functionality do you need? Our current server is short on memory so need additional space to load new software centrally for all stations and do back ups regularly. Also need to have connection to the borough data centre for remote maintenance. And would also like teacher control for the pupil pcs in the suite. Will CC3 provide all this?
adeasha Posted March 31, 2009 Author Posted March 31, 2009 Have you considered just plain Windows? We are an 'RM' school - and it is unlikely that we will change. Not sure if RM would support a solution other than CC3 or CC4? Or am I missing the point? Do you know of anyone who has gone down this road?
Sylv3r Posted March 31, 2009 Posted March 31, 2009 Our current server is short on memory so need additional space to load new software centrally for all stations and do back ups regularly. Also need to have connection to the borough data centre for remote maintenance. And would also like teacher control for the pupil pcs in the suite. Will CC3 provide all this? Yes all the above with a new server ideally for the space and memory issue. The teachers could control the pupil PC's either using RM Tutor or ABControl etc which are both additonal cost. 1
soapyfish Posted March 31, 2009 Posted March 31, 2009 I am running CC3 now and we are able to do all the things you are after. it sounds like a new server is likely to be needed. As previously stated I do not think you can still buy CC3 from RM. I see you are a small school and probabbly have most of your support provided by an external company as there maybe a lack of technical/time within the school itself. On my CC3 network I have daily full backups to a tape device this enables you to take the data tape off site incase of a physical diaster at the school. I use RM Tutor to provide the staff with the ability to control the student desktops with classrooms and keep the students on task (as much as possible). In respect to connecting to a LEA data centre this will require some server configuration and a broadband internet connection (presumabley provided by your lea) and some software. Something else thats worth considering is the requirement to upgrade the classroom pc's if you move to CC4 the the chances are that the majority of classroom machines will need some upgrades or to be replaced. I have heard from some people within RM that CC4 places quite a strain on the classrooms pcs as well as the servers. You may also want to check out the licencing costs associated with a move to CC4. I would suggest that you create some more solid idears as to what exactly is reqired. Think about things like, 1) the ammount of storage space you will need in 5 years time and aim to buy that much now or install a sysyem where the capacity of the servers (or storage device) can be upgraded easily and cheaply. 2) Plan out the functionality the users are expecting ! the last thing you want is the functionality that the users are used to not being avaliable (they will percieve it as a downgrade) 3) I have often found that major IT work is best carried out with the involvement of the SLT etc to lead the project and encourage its use within the rest of the teaching body. 4) Make sure that if you are using an external support company that you speak to them and make sure that they are able to support what ever is installed. That just a few of the things to watch out for.
adeasha Posted March 31, 2009 Author Posted March 31, 2009 Sounds good - have you had CC3 for long - are there any glitches at all? Are you a primary school - how many workstations are on your server?
adeasha Posted March 31, 2009 Author Posted March 31, 2009 I am running CC3 now and we are able to do all the things you are after. it sounds like a new server is likely to be needed. As previously stated I do not think you can still buy CC3 from RM. I see you are a small school and probabbly have most of your support provided by an external company as there maybe a lack of technical/time within the school itself. On my CC3 network I have daily full backups to a tape device this enables you to take the data tape off site incase of a physical diaster at the school. I use RM Tutor to provide the staff with the ability to control the student desktops with classrooms and keep the students on task (as much as possible). In respect to connecting to a LEA data centre this will require some server configuration and a broadband internet connection (presumabley provided by your lea) and some software. Something else thats worth considering is the requirement to upgrade the classroom pc's if you move to CC4 the the chances are that the majority of classroom machines will need some upgrades or to be replaced. I have heard from some people within RM that CC4 places quite a strain on the classrooms pcs as well as the servers. You may also want to check out the licencing costs associated with a move to CC4. I would suggest that you create some more solid idears as to what exactly is reqired. Think about things like, 1) the ammount of storage space you will need in 5 years time and aim to buy that much now or install a sysyem where the capacity of the servers (or storage device) can be upgraded easily and cheaply. 2) Plan out the functionality the users are expecting ! the last thing you want is the functionality that the users are used to not being avaliable (they will percieve it as a downgrade) 3) I have often found that major IT work is best carried out with the involvement of the SLT etc to lead the project and encourage its use within the rest of the teaching body. 4) Make sure that if you are using an external support company that you speak to them and make sure that they are able to support what ever is installed. That just a few of the things to watch out for. Great advice thanks. You are right about the involvement of the SLT as currently I am being told no money - and yet if we don't move fast I think we are in danger of the system falling apart. I am arranging meetings between th LEA and Head to move this forward. I agree that we need to consider our needs for the next few years so will definitely take into account your suggestions but it sounds like CC3/4 is OK and robust. I'll check with RM if they still install CC3. We are currently supported by the LEA so there should not be an issue with support. Thanks very much!
PiqueABoo Posted March 31, 2009 Posted March 31, 2009 CC4 places quite a strain on the classrooms pcs as well as the servers. Asbsolutely, not to mention the person trying to support it (subject to their enthusiasm for doing a good job of that). 1
soapyfish Posted March 31, 2009 Posted March 31, 2009 I am not a primary school I have 450 clients 9 servers although 4 domain controllers. I used to work in primary schools all over Herts county and one of the biggest problems they all faced was time and money. so a windows domain is good whether it is RM or a vanilla network but they need alot more understanding than a storebox system and more time to boot. Don't forget the training implications of a new system !
FN-GM Posted March 31, 2009 Posted March 31, 2009 We are an 'RM' school - and it is unlikely that we will change. Why is that? You can do everything you need with Plain windows and a few other bits of free software.
russdev Posted April 1, 2009 Posted April 1, 2009 Why is that? You can do everything you need with Plain windows and a few other bits of free software. Never simple as that several factors could come into. Cost - moving away from any network to new one is not cheap and cost involved What is best for school - Maybe plain network is not right move for the school what is good for you may not be good for school. Technical staff may have other roles and focuses so having middle ware solution like RM is useful. Time it takes 8 weeks to install have fully functioning network with no issues so of us just don't have that time. Russ
Theblacksheep Posted April 1, 2009 Posted April 1, 2009 Never simple as that several factors could come into. Cost - moving away from any network to new one is not cheap and cost involved Theres always a cost to change, but long term it can be cheaper without RM. 1
verygreenpc Posted September 10, 2009 Posted September 10, 2009 Hi adeasha. Check out the "To RM or not to RM, that is the question..." thread. Also Soapyfish made some pretty good points above. Cheers, Col
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