GREED

School data systems or systems that handle school data, typically that found and stored within an MIS, to the broad picture. Hey, this is me we are talking about, I like a challenge, cannot be much more difficult than to challenge every MIS supplier to 'expose' themselves (ooo errrr!)?

I'm not saying it isn't valid. I'm saying I have to impose some sort of restriction for my own sanity more than anything. Plus, looking at those who might actually respond which is why Google, MS, Apple etc are not in there. I guess you could define it loosely as products a school could or would purchase?

I have tried to focus on systems used directly by schools, just to keep some sort of scope otherwise there is a whole other area to cover, that is of concern to a much smaller audience.

Cheers all for this. Any more for any more? Really interesting to see the number of products some of these organisations/vendors have and how many aspects of the sector they touch onto!

Woot! !

Or, shave it and grow it again for Movember?

It seems so, rather disappointed to be honest!

It's an up side down shocked face :-O

Loved it. Although surprised they only played the terminus story for 1 episode, thought it would be half the series...

Death Star moon is 'wonky or watery' BBC News - Death Star moon may be 'wonky or watery'

Join the team!

I see, looks like i'll be by myself this year!

Well unless he gonna just keep it for another 100 years it's not going to reach decent heights. Clearly it is a common figure... shame it wasn't a boba fett!

He already has one to play with! It Isn't worth keeping In the box

BBC News - Star Wars mystery solved by University of Nottingham's X-ray scanner

Possibly. Just a push like that will prompt me to investigate! Thanks

Thanks all keep them coming!

I will include as much as I can! I think the only limitation I will impose on myself more than anything will be things like scripting software to run background tasks (such as Xporter, ZINET Connect, some of Salamandersoft applets, as these are tricky to quantify compared to full on applications), obvious things like windows and MS Office. SSO is an interesting one and have not decided yet, I think yes to SSO applications and possibly no to SSO providers (shibboleth for example). But I'm open to all suggestions at this stage!

I am starting the next phase of my research project into transparancy in education data systems, following on from the success of the MIS Challenge. In the same vein of questioning suppliers, I'm expanding into the supporting systems that tend to 'hang off' the central MIS, often referred to as 3rd Party systems, such as messaging systems, cashless catering systems, assessment systems. I'm fully aware this is a huge task given the bredth of the market, but I'm un-deterred! What I'd like some help with is identifying systems to contact in the first place. Below I have an initial list of candidates and would like any help in identifying ones I may have missed, in any topic. Surveys will have a common section for all and some specifics for each type of system to drill down into each area. Thanks in advance for any help. PS any companies who are EG regulars want to be included too, I welcome it! Get involved. Graham --- Education Supporting Applications Messaging: Groupcall Messenger Schoolcomms Keep Kids Safe CallParents TruencyCall Assessment Analysis: 4matrix SISRA Target Tracker Incerts Optimum Reports bSquared iTrack School Attainment: RAISEonline FFT CEM Alps Alis Cashless Catering: Nationwide Retail Systems Gladstone / EasyTrace Library Managements: MLS Softlink Heritage Circa VLE: Frog MyLearning I AM Learning Its Learning Moodle* Sharepoint* Firefly Real Smart eschools MIS Online/App interface: Groupcall Emerge Tasc MintedBox Semantise edukey Sports management: Sporting Nation Careers management: EduKit Room Booking: Room Booking Software Parents Evening: Parents Evening Software Funds Management: Pebble Finance Management: Sage PSFinancials Corero Timetable Software: Timetabler Payments: ParentPay WisePay Rewards: Vivo Idendity Management/Biometircs: GroupCall IDaaS Impero YouID BioStore Classroom Management: Impero

This past year I created the MIS Challenge to encourage the MIS suppliers to be more open about what their systems can really do. I was very impressed by the responses so far (mentioning no names who I am still waiting on!), and the feedback I have had from schools, LAs, even the DfE which I was shocked by! What I have included now and invite schools to, is a customer survey, to ask some questions to you as schools or MIS users about what you think of the systems you are using. The link to the survey is: The MIS Challenge: Customer Survey | The Eduware Network I will be sharing appropriate and interesting comments and results here as they come in! Note that all questions and answers relate to your product (nothing on any other subject including the Eduware Network website, so the mod police should be ok with this post!) Graham

"Think your Windows security is up to the task?"

Right then chaps, are we all up for doing Movember again this year as an Edugeek group? I seem to remember there were 5 of us last year raising a tidy sum, it would be great if we could get more in the group this year! Thoughts? Update: Team Page available here: http://moteam.co/edugeek-2014

Maybe just ask them?

The three main options in the UK (the major players) are: MLS/Micro Librarian System Softlink's Oliver Heritage Circa

From a completely independent and unbiased view I just wanted to add, to the benefit of Capita, Advanced Learning and all the others, the DfE ONCE AGAIN released very late changes to census requirements (some validation errors picked up as late as Monday). This is a constant battle and one that never ever changes despite constant complaints by many including me. While one would argue this is not the school's problem, I have huge sympathy for the guys at the suppliers of MIS, having done this myself up to last year. This is one big reason why I had huge hopes and backing for DX...