WebAnywhere and Overnet Data SIMS.net integration email

[localzuk]

Overnight, it seems Overnet Data, the people who do the MIS integration for WebAnywhere Moodle installations have sent out the following email to each customer. Seems that WebAnywhere has annoyed them enough to basically terminate their agreement with the company, and force their users to choose between WebAnywhere and Overnet. Anyone else had this?

 

Hello,We're Overnet Data, we supply and manage your Moodle and/or SIMS/CMIS integration system via Web Anywhere.

You may have seen our logo on your Moodle, or talked with Claudio or Guy at our end, but may not otherwise know us. We typically sit in the background designing and developing all the software and technology which makes sure that your Moodle does what you want it to do, and it all runs smoothly & safely at the operational level.

Until very recently we exclusively supplied our unique technology to Web Anywhere. Sadly, the nature of this relationship changed when we discovered that Web Anywhere were trying to develop similar technology.

As a school currently using our Moodle and/or integration service/s on either Moodle 1.9 or Moodle 2, we wanted to explain what this means to you going forward. So here goes..

Firstly, we want to reassure you that, despite our issues with Web Anywhere, we will continue to fulfil our obligations to you in full until the end of your contract.

In practice, this means everything stays the same in terms of your system and system usage.

You do not have to do anything or change anything until the end of your existing contract.

At the end of your contract, you have a choice:

• you can remain with us and switch your system (without any service interruption) to an alternative Moodle Partner of your choice, or
  
• you can have your Overnet Data Moodle/integration disabled. Web Anywhere may then install their alternative system and transfer your data. This would then be managed by them.
  

Mid contract, Web Anywhere may ask to re-install your Moodle server. Please be aware that this is not strictly necessary and that we will be happy to continue hosting and supporting your Moodle and integration solution. Also, if you would like to migrate to Moodle 2 from Moodle 1.9 we can offer you this service.

N.B. This applies to all schools including those on-site schools currently running Moodle 1.9 and Moodle 2 in parallel for testing purposes prior to fully upgrading up to Moodle 2.

[sonofsanta]

Had it as well. We've got about a year and a half left on our contract but I am rather concerned that our options are a) switch to new WebAnywhere system, which will be full of bugs as a newer system and also just be different and thus upsetting to staff or b) switch to alternative partner and get into lots of fighting about server ownership and blah blah blah.

 

 

TBH, rather concerned at the way WebAnywhere is headed - becoming much more corporate, target-driven, profit-at-all-costs rather than the more laid back and responsive company they were a couple of years ago. Schools are not business, and the businesses that deal with us have to act like us as well.

[synaesthesia]

We've been aware of this for some time and have already long gotten rid of any links/ties to WebAnywhere. The easiest way to look at it is that WebAnywhere is technically incompetant (they are salespeople) and Overnet have the guys actually capable. They've had some spat so as a result have parted ways. It's a very frank and blunt way of looking at it but we've thoroughly enjoyed speaking with and helping the guys at Overnet. (and receiving their help of course)

 

For note, we host our own Moodle server. WebAnywhere have a box installed entirely for SIMS integration.

Edited February 9, 2012 by synaesthesia

[jonnykewell1]

Hmmm I didn't get this E-mail from them and they manage our Moodle server. We were looking at building up our own but with little experience in this area I can see it been a pain in the butt.

[jonnykewell1]

ahh forget that we did get the email but we don't have it integrated into our SIMS.

[glennda]

Good Job I chose not to go with them last week then!

[glennda]

Hmmm I didn't get this E-mail from them and they manage our Moodle server. We were looking at building up our own but with little experience in this area I can see it been a pain in the butt.

A touch off topic

@kmount Is pretty good with Moodle and may be able to help. Or I'm starting to get to grips with the server side stuff of it if you need a hand

[Soulfish]

If anyone is looking for alternative SIMS/Moodle integration systems I can recommend SchoolsICT and their ZiLink product (ZiLink | enabling 21st century learning). We use it here and it's been great, and they're a great company to work with

[glennda]

If anyone is looking for alternative SIMS/Moodle integration systems I can recommend SchoolsICT and their ZiLink product (ZiLink | enabling 21st century learning). We use it here and it's been great, and they're a great company to work with

 

This is what i've just ordered. From what i have seen so far its really good.

[sonofsanta]

...switch to alternative partner and get into lots of fighting about server ownership and blah blah blah.

 

Our WebAnywhere account manager just called to apologise profusely and confirmed that we definitely own the server & the content and if we chose to walk away, we could do.

 

Regardless, I'm waiting 18 months to worry, who knows how everything will pan out from this...

[AIT]

Just wondering if anyone has spoken to WebAnywhere or even Overnet?

[sonofsanta]

Just wondering if anyone has spoken to WebAnywhere or even Overnet?

 

Indeed - as I said just above you, WebAnywhere rang me earlier so you'll probably get a call later today. They were very apologetic, and a little annoyed, perhaps understandably.

[AIT]

Apologies - read down the list too quickly..

 

So who's in the wrong?

 

For us we host our own moodle and webanywere have provided a box specifically for the sims integration. who owns this? who owns the software on it?

[sonofsanta]

Apologies - read down the list too quickly..

 

So who's in the wrong?

 

For us we host our own moodle and webanywere have provided a box specifically for the sims integration. who owns this? who owns the software on it?

 

AFAIK, the current SIMS/Serco integration is software owned and licensed by Overnet. I don't know who owns the box (we have one server that does everything) although I imagine the hardware is yours; the software, you will have to decide between continuing with Overnet or switching to WebAnywhere's new system, if it comes to that.

 

As for who is in the wrong, well, it's all just companies fighting with each other over money, and capitalism is probably in the wrong. I can't imagine either side is blameless; apparently, yes, WebAnywhere are developing their own system, they claim because Overnet were being slow to create something for Moodle 2.0, but should Overnet have sent out a mass email notice like this? Let them fight it out themselves and I'll deal with it when they've decided amongst themselves.

[localzuk]

Its an example of internal politics spilling out on to customers. I don't like companies that do that, and have already blacklisted one for doing it before, and this time I will be blacklisting another.

 

Keep your internal nonsense, internal. I am not a customer of Overnet Data, I am a customer of WebAnywhere.

[NickBryson]

Glenda do you happen to know how data is read from the MIS as our server is centrally hosted and tricky to get to for external providers. Also can you tell us whether Zilink writes data assessment or behaviour data back ?

[MikeBennett]

I thought it appropriate that there is an official response from Webanywhere on this thread.

 

Thank you to our customers who brought this thread to my attention.

 

We were unaware of Overnetdata’s intention to send a mass email to our customers overnight, and there are a few points made in the email that I feel need clarification.

 

Firstly, there’s no immediate need for our customers to change or move their service. We’ll continue to provide our full range of Moodle services as per our contracts with you.

 

We remain committed to investing capital and resources in developing and improving Moodle and the technologies that underpin it, as well as maintaining a high standard of service and support.

 

As mentioned above, we’re contacting all our Moodle customers today to explain the situation and answer any questions, and arranging visits for any customers who’d like to see us face-to-face.

 

I’d agree with the point made above that this is an internal matter that shouldn’t have spilled over into the public domain, and we regret any confusion which has been caused.

 

I’d be happy to provide further clarification on any individual questions about this issue.

 

Regards

 

Mike Bennett

Head of Secondary Education Division

Webanywhere Ltd.

[AIT]

Hi,

 

Thank you,

 

Firstly a far more professional response..

 

Could you clarify your current dealings/state with OverNetData and also if any further updates/bug fixes will be released.

 

Also could you state the road map for the future.

 

Thanks

[glennda]

Glenda do you happen to know how data is read from the MIS as our server is centrally hosted and tricky to get to for external providers. Also can you tell us whether Zilink writes data assessment or behaviour data back ?

 

Nope that is the difference - Zilink doesn't do the write back simply just the publishing - which for us the writing back wasn't a requirement.

 

EDIT: It is exported using Groupcall's exporter which moodle then reads the data.

[MikeBennett]

Hi,

 

Thank you,

 

Firstly a far more professional response..

 

Could you clarify your current dealings/state with OverNetData and also if any further updates/bug fixes will be released.

 

Also could you state the road map for the future.

 

Thanks

 

Thank you.

 

As mentioned in my original post, and as I'm sure you would appreciate, it would be inappropriate to discuss details of our relationship with OvernetData in an open forum.

 

I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have personally.

 

Our support line number is 01535 604026 - please ask to speak to myself.

 

Thanks

Mike

[citricity]

Hi

 

I'm Guy Thomas, the lead developer of the MIS Integration solution developed by Overnet Data. You may be aware of many of the FREE GPL modules I have developed for Moodle, including the "Windows Share Web Client" block, "Enhanced File" module and "LDAP Capture" authentication plugin.

 

I would like to explain to people why I feel Overnet Data were right in making customers aware of the current issues.

 

Firstly, customers have been sold a product which I have personally been involved in the development of. I'm very proud of this product and I believe that it is the most innovative solution currently available. Overnet Data were the first company to bring this innovation to market via Web Anywhere in September 2009. I don't think its fair for customers to be forced into upgrading to a similar and less innovative product which does not offer the same interface and features as the one they originally purchased.

 

Overnet Data's email to customers informs them of choice. It clearly states the options the customer faces, which includes moving to Web Anywhere's new system as well as staying with Overnet Data's. I believe it would have been far more irresponsible of Overnet Data not to have informed customers of this choice and I think they should be commended for reassuring existing customers that their contracts will be honoured regardless of the discontinued relationship with Web Anywhere.

 

Secondly, Overnet Data entrusted the customer relationship and exclusive stewardship of their product to Web Anywhere. I feel that this trust has been betrayed in that Web Anywhere's new product was in development from as early as September 2010 (according to the change log of their software). Overnet Data have communicated directly with customers en-masse for the first time to simply state their position and make it clear that they will continue to support their product.

 

An exceptionally significant effort has been invested in the innovation and development of Overnet Data's product and it is important that customers understand the following:

 

a) Overnet Data's software will work with Moodle 1.9 and Moodle 2.1+

b) Customers wishing to upgrade to Moodle 2 are free to CHOOSE if they want to continue using Overnet Data's product or move to Web Anywhere's version of the solution.

c) Overnet Data will continue to maintain and promote the software via a new Moodle partner.

 

 

If you would like to speak to me directly about my experiences dealing with both companies, I am quite happy for people to contact me on 07817 298121.

 

In the interests of full discloure, I am still working with Overnet Data and will happily continue to do so going forward.

[AIT]

As this quite clearly is a matter to both new and old customers of WebAnywere I feel its more than appropriate to ask if there will be any further updates / bug fixes and if the working relationship is still there for continued support.

 

I have had a few conversations today both with WebAnywere and Overnet, both say they are "doing the support"

 

Perhaps we could have clarity on who supports what?

Edited February 9, 2012 by AIT

[OvernetData]

Hello,

 

Overnet Data will continue to develop and maintain the Moodle servers and SIMS/CMIS integration solutions.

 

For schools who have purchased one of our products via Web Anywhere, Overnet Data will continue, as always, to manage, upgrade, monitor and backup your moodle systems. So, all bug fixes and updates will be applied throughout the period of our contracts with Web Anywhere.

 

In terms of support, we continue as always to provide 3rd line technical support. If you're talking to Claudio, Guy, Mark or myself you're talking to Overnet Data.

 

If anyone needs any more information, just let me know.

 

 

Anthony Wright

 

01604-807545

[NickBryson]

Hello,

 

Overnet Data will continue to develop and maintain the Moodle servers and SIMS/CMIS integration solutions.

 

For schools who have purchased one of our products via Web Anywhere, Overnet Data will continue, as always, to manage, upgrade, monitor and backup your moodle systems. So, all bug fixes and updates will be applied throughout the period of our contracts with Web Anywhere.

 

In terms of support, we continue as always to provide 3rd line technical support. If you're talking to Claudio, Guy, Mark or myself you're talking to Overnet Data.

 

If anyone needs any more information, just let me know.

 

 

Anthony Wright

 

01604-807545

Thanks Anthony - how does your MIS integration work with SIMS ?

[glennda]

Thanks Anthony - how does your MIS integration work with SIMS ?

 

The same as webanywheres - if i have read it correctly the one you probably are using is made by Overnet