BETT Preview - Schools are looking to the clouds to reduce ICT costs
09 December 2010
Northgate Managed Services launches new modular managed cloud services to reduce ICT costs
New Schoolzone research* commissioned by Northgate Managed Services (www.northgate-is.com/managedservices) reveals that whilst the majority of schools are open to cloud services as a way of cutting ICT costs, many are still unaware of the flexibility and scalability offered by this new technology. Keen to help schools reduce the cost of running their ICT, Northgate's team will be on hand at BETT 2011 (stand D70) to talk about ways cloud services can complement existing ICT infrastructure and form part of school's ICT strategy. Tried and tested in the business world, the cloud helps remove the reliance on capital expenditure as organisations simply pay their provider for what they use.
As the Government hands purchasing power back to schools and more than ever school budgets are being squeezed, Northgate is offering Cloud based services that allow schools to select specific elements of their ICT to move to the cloud. Infinitely scalable with transparent costs, schools can choose from a range of services tailored to their individual needs and budget. This enables schools to step into the cloud at their own pace whilst being able to reap the associated long term cost savings.
An accredited supplier on the Government's new ICT Services Framework in recognition of its high quality cost effectives services to education, Northgate is launching cloud services covering infrastructure, email, collaboration, security, archiving, backup, storage, cloud systems management and consulting services.
During the research, schools welcomed the potential cost-savings offered by cloud technology but questioned the security of data and the reliance on dependable internet connectivity - concerns that have already been resolved through extensive testing and usage in the business world. Since its adoption in the commercial sector, huge advances in cloud technology have been made, driven by the expansion of broadband bandwidths, improved network quality and stability and the availability of cost-effective and robust e-security solutions.
Chris Wiseman, Sales Director, Education at Northgate Managed Services, comments: "Education's move to the cloud marks an important step towards the delivery of agile, high-quality ICT services at an affordable cost and will play a vital role in the future of educational ICT in schools. We recognise that it is early days for the cloud in education, so Northgate's modular approach enables schools to migrate services gradually, helping to maximise existing ICT infrastructure and ensure schools are confident about their move to the cloud."
In addition, teachers from around the UK will be joining experts on Northgate's stand D70 at BETT to share best practice for ICT to enhance learning. Each day teachers will be promoting how they use ICT to engage students and enhance the learning experience. For example, using Apple iPads with Special Education Needs students and developing immersive learning environments to create interesting and engaging lessons. For further information about Northgate Managed Services, please visit stand D70 at BETT 2011 or contact its Schools and Academies team via email: info@northgate-is.com.
