chippo

Been with EXA for 3 years now, top service no issues. Just announced 1 gig connections.

For those asking about moving away, bear in mind extra work to deal with various companies, also consider financial viability of suppliers you use. We moved and found solutions for all the data transfers, you need to talk to the relevant BCC departments directly. Moving is not for everyone, great for schools with good "in house" support. But some primary schools don't have such support and like it or not Link2ICT do offer a one stop shop for those. In my opinion primary schools should look at working together & employ a tech to support them. Link are trying to change to be more customer focused rather than profit driven, the loss income from schools such as ours has highlighted the need for change, only time will tell...

Yammer enterprise will be free for all education plans, being rolled out, see here

Yes we have, we still use Link2ICT for MIS support

Interesting day, good format I thought

Think they should also invite those that have left, if they want to get better hear why people left & how they could win them back?

Just for everyone's information you can leave Link2ICT at any time, you just have to give three months notice. I hope Link2ICT do get their act together, unfortunately the cynic in me thinks otherwise. I feel the people there really want to do the right thing, but the business that is Capita restricts them?

We saved a considerable amount on our broadband & have the option of a static ip 3g connection as broadband failover. Moving anyway from Link2ICT is not for every school, but we have found we have far more flexibility. - - - Updated - - - We saved a considerable amount on our broadband & have the option of a static ip 3g connection as broadband failover. Moving anyway from Link2ICT is not for every school, but we have found we have far more flexibility.

Shame I couldn't be there, sounded fun

Hi all, I've been advising a non profit organisation which are looking to offer a one stop solution to schools. Out of interest how many schools out there would be interested in this service? I DO NOT work or have any financial interest in this just want to make you all aware there is now a possible viable alternative to Link2ICT. PM me if you are interested & i'll let you know more.

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Hi, We moved from our LEA and not looked back. I can recommend EXA Networks their Internet provision has free filtering & service is fantastic.

We have a full ICT Suite furniture for sale, was £12K when purchased. In excellent condition, 30 bays, 3 rows, 2 double sided, 1 single, 6 bays in each row, 30 in total. Birmingam based school, contact myself if interested. Viewing recommended, any reasonable offers considered.

Sorry I won't be elaborating as I think this may have legal implications & is being taken to higher levels. I will say this many Birmingham schools are un-happy with Link2ICT & their reaction to schools finding best value alternatives.

Working with schools? More like against

I'm currently talking to all the relevant people within the Local Authority regarding data, it is becoming less of an issue with new web based soloutions which work on any connection. We are moving to Progresso(Serco Direct) so the pupil data etc will through that, just clarifing finance now. It's looking highly likely that we will move all services now as why pay for a service you can only use part of.

We were the first school to go in Birmingham, Jervoise School. 1 year on still happy, having some issues this year ref VPN to bgfl but that's due to more schools moving away from grid in my opinion. A solution will be found & we are now looking at moving more services away from the city.

We moved to EXA Networks last year with no real issues, you will need VPN connection to access the BGFL for FCS, CRISP, Knowledgebase,Zimbra admin,Policy Central etc.. We still use Link2ICT for remote support, service desk, MIS. EXA have a special deal with ESET so your AV is also cheaper over 3 years. We had a demo of Progresso on our connection & the person giving it commented how quick it was compared to the BGfL. The filtering is easy to use & comes in the cost. There's obviously top level filtering & you can then add sites to the "White/Black List" as you require. You will have scare tatics from Link2ICT but I can honestly say we've had no problems at all.

I'm not 100% sure but I think you need to be on the BGFL network, you may need a vpn connection?

Looks like a few of us will be looking at some cost cutting, next weeks meeting with Link2ICT will be interesting noticed Virgin will be there I think they'll be asked about going direct by a few people!

Can't wait, I think schools may seriously start looking at going direct. I see there's a conference in March & they are trying to flog us the Open Hive Learning Platform, so Zimbra & Moodle might have been a waste of time!

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I've asked for more info from Link2ICT which I have received, but I'd rather see it in action. I've been told Sophos will be exhibiting at the Link2ICT summer event at the ICC on the 14 July. Why didn't they demo this at the last Network Manager's event? I just want to get the everyday operation of it clear in my mind.

Hi, Just wondering if anyone has opted for this or has any opinions? Thanks in advance

So glad I ordered my Desire today!