Example of how BSF MSP's restrict ICT...

[localzuk]

I was browsing the TES site earlier, and spotted this post... Managed Servie Provider will not install GameMaker Lite...help! - ICT - TES Connect

 

Seems very much like what many people on here have been saying all along.

[GrumbleDook]

I know ... but just look at the number of threads were people rant about naff software that, given a choice, we would tell teachers to go and find something else to use. The MSP has the power to do this ... surely some folk would prefer it this way, but with them having the control?

[localzuk]

I know ... but just look at the number of threads were people rant about naff software that, given a choice, we would tell teachers to go and find something else to use. The MSP has the power to do this ... surely some folk would prefer it this way, but with them having the control?

 

Ah, but there's a difference - if I find a piece of software will be a pain (bugs, poor support etc...) I make an effort to find an alternative, else I find some way of making it work anyway. I know we all complain about this poorly made software, but it isn't like we just send people packing...

 

This MSP just says no.

[Jamman960]

Is there not a licensing issue here also though - haven't downloaded gamemaker lite but the sites terms and conditions state the content is for personal use only... surely schools should be purchasing Gamemaker Pro?

 

By installing the software they're agreeing to support it, while we'll hapily install and spend time setting up free software without any guarenteed support I can kind of see why MSP's would refuse, especially when a supported version is availible.

[localzuk]

Is there not a licensing issue here also though - haven't downloaded gamemaker lite but the sites terms and conditions state the content is for personal use only... surely schools should be purchasing Gamemaker Pro?

 

The license in the executable state "the versions of the Software described as “Lite” for personal, non-commercial and commercial use;"

[broc]

The MSP is concerned about profit, their initial response to anything that is going to cost them will be no, it's not in the contract. They have no incentive to support 'free' software as they cannot make any profit 'selling' it, packaging it & adding their percentage for 'management services'.

 

I bet if the school persists long enough the response will change to yes, but it will cost you.... & then the school will be fleeced.

Edited March 21, 2010 by broc

[Face-Man]

Also remember the MSP has performance targets if software "a" crashes a room full of computers they lose money. The only solution is to have a "sand pit" environment for innovation and to try software in which the school takes the risk not the MSP. I'm suggesting a virtual machine available for this purpose in our implementation but while bidding they promise the earth the proof as they say is in the eating

[torledo]

 

This MSP just says no.

 

admit it though......that's what you want to be able to do.

[pete]

I'd be concerned at the .msp's attitude because it precludes any software without a commercial support structure.

 

Y'know - like OpenOffice, The Gimp, Apache, VLC etc? Stuff that we know works well, not just the software you'd secretly like to flush down the loo?

[srochford]

I'd be concerned at the .msp's attitude because it precludes any software without a commercial support structure.

 

Y'know - like OpenOffice, The Gimp, Apache, VLC etc?

 

There's a raft of commercial support available for much open source software - certainly the big packages - so they shouldn't be able to use "no commercial support" as an excuse.

[webman]

they shouldn't be able to use "no commercial support" as an excuse.

 

They'd find a way. Probably something along the lines of, "it's not on our self-appointed list of approved support partners."

[Face-Man]

Open source is not necessary discounted by a MSP all three of our bidders have include this as an option available to schools perhaps given the feed back from other bids. They do of course include this in their price.

[linuxgirlie]

Open source is not necessary discounted by a MSP all three of our bidders have include this as an option available to schools perhaps given the feed back from other bids. They do of course include this in their price.

 

This is looking to be true.