Bisk

The only real way of doing it is to use the api's as capita make changes based on everybody using the api's. If you go in via another route you WILL loose any support you get for sims so be warned.

I work at a school which is in the throws of BSF, the approved IT supplier has nominated and ict techies will be TUPE'd ( transfer of employment to supplier ) However the company are keen to keep existing staff for several reasons. Relationship with staff, knowledge of software,users etc. It could be a very exciting move if you have the motivation, to tap into the training of a bigger company with opportunities to progress your career path in a slightly different direction. As existing technical staff we have had an input to drive forward the whole scope of ict and integrate systems (MIS,curriculum,FM, Security, etc). The future should be exciting, but make sure you get heard early.

Are you using .net ? if so run a standalone version, on production lan back up sims from system man. On standalone install MSDE from sims setups, install sims copy backup file from prod Lan to standalone in sims system manager restore from backup, all data passwords permissions are as prod lan. Remember to install 16 bit apps in sims or some things wont work This is what I do.

We use Squid / Dansguardian to proxy / contentent filter. Room / Pc net control is by using iptables firewall and a web page with password control. Cron task runs at lesson change to reset rooms to OFF Only disadvantage is that to make this work we went static IP on 200+ pcs putting each room in its own subnet. If someone has a way of doing this from PC name on DHCP (W2k server) it would make our lives a bit easier.