AnimatedCarrots

We have some schools that use Redstore for their MIS servers but this is handled separately to us. Although the pricing seems pretty steep and is based on GB use. How do you find the pricing? competitive? and how do you find the setup and licensing?

Hi all, Looking for some recommendations around a cloud backup solution for small schools. Environment: 200–300 users Typically 1 host with 2–4 VMs Standard on-prem server setup (AD, EntraSync, file, print, etc.) Requirements: Server-to-cloud backup is the priority Cloud-to-cloud (e.g. M365) is desirable, but secondary (I know Barracuda is highly regarded for this) Straightforward setup and management Simple, transparent licensing (no overly complex tiers or bolt-ons) We’ve briefly looked at Druva for server to cloud and barracuda for cloud to cloud. Ideally would like to stick to a single solution. Keen to understand what others in the education space are using day to day. Key considerations: Ease of deployment and ongoing management Predictable cost model Estimated Pricing License type? (user/device/GB used) Should I become a Partner or use a reseller? Reliability and restore performance Suitability for smaller school environments (not enterprise-heavy) Any recommendations or real-world experiences would be useful. Thanks in advance.

Have you tried Alt+F4?

I just started trialing this today, and I’m amazed at how affordable it is compared to other competitors. I can’t believe it doesn’t get more attention! Most people seem to default to Redstorr, Veeam, or Synology. While those options are great, their prices are outrageously high especially for schools. Thanks for the suggestion!

It seems that a P2 plan is required to set up the Multifactor Authentication registration policy. It's surprising and disappointing that there aren't more accessible options for educational bodies. Given the push towards cloud-based products and away from on-premise solutions, it's frustrating to see essential features restricted by various subscription levels and enforced by default.

Tenants equipped with A1 licenses will face impacts as well. We have experimented with the P1 plan as a potential substitute for A3 licenses but haven't yet fully evaluated its effectiveness. It's unclear whether a P1 plan is required for each individual user or just for the GA.

We oversee multiple schools that have transitioned to a cloud-based infrastructure without maintaining any on-site servers. To accommodate this shift, we've set up Microsoft 365 accounts for all individuals, including students. As you might be aware, starting in March, Microsoft will mandate the use of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), a move that presents significant challenges, especially for our student users. To address this, we're considering implementing a conditional access policy that would waive the 2FA requirement when users are connected to the school's network. We're in discussions with the LCC to facilitate this through the use of their external IP addresses as designated trusted locations. The hurdle we're facing is the initial mandate for users to configure 2FA, which serves as a "baseline" security measure. This requirement could potentially disrupt the user experience significantly, especially since our schools with hybrid server setups, currently rely on Single Sign-On (SSO) policies. Does anyone know of any solutions or workarounds?