Databus Issue: 2009 1 03/31/2008
Data Bytes
Wade Williams Publications Director
PDF
We are proud to announce a new feature beginning in this issue of the DataBus. Data Bytes is a compilation of short answers from our constituency that addresses the theme for the current issue.
This month we’re addressing Technology Standardization in our organizations. Whether it be hardware, software, video systems, security systems, operating system setups, etc we all see the value in standardization for a variety of reasons
This month we asked the question: What technology have you standardized in your organization and what was the benefit.
Here’s what you had to say:
We have standardized on all Dell computers in the District, and are now purchasing Dell Servers as well. We have only purchase HP printers.
This has reduced support time since we only have one source to contact for technical computer support, and usually Dell’s web site has enough information to preclude the need for a support call.
HP standard has made things work better since nearly all applications are designed with HP compatibility in mind as regards printers.
Jay Dunn
Director of Technology
Oakley Union Elementary School District
Dell desktops, laptop, servers. Cisco switches and routers. Canon copier/scanners. HP printers in the main office but many Brother printers in classrooms and external offices. Our printers are primarily laser and we do not encourage the purchase of inkjets.
Using standardized equipment has made support easier and knowledge more complete because we do not have to learn the intricacies of multiple vendor’s products.
Martin Williams
Information Technology Support Specialist
San Luis Obispo County Office of Education
.. We have standardized on Windows-based OS, desktop & laptop computers (Dell), Edusoft Scanners(Brother), monitors (flatscreen), mice (optical), Cisco (mostly). Printers we try to buy in enough bulk to give us some measure of continuity at least from year to year.
The advantages from platform and product uniformity are reduced troubleshooting, easier roll-outs, single-platform training, and better user-level collaboration and troubleshooting…to name a few.
Scott Mohr
Technology Coordinator
Chowchilla School District
• Windows PCs: Dell desktops, laptops, and servers (Reason = Service, support, & TCO)
• Windows OS: XP
• Apple PC’s: Macbooks
• Networking: Cisco (Reason = Dependability & standards)
• Laser Printers: Mostly HP, starting to move to Dell (Reason = TCO)
• Inkjet: HP
• Classroom Projectors: Epson (Reason = TCO)
• Classroom Document Cameras: AverMedia (Reason = Features & TCO)
David Feliciano
Director, Information Services & Technology
East Whittier City School District
We have standardized as much technology as possible. Any technology outside of our approved list has to be evaluated and approved by the Instructional Technology Standards Committee, which is made up of district employees of varying roles within both the Technology and Instructional Divisions. The standardized hardware has lead to more reliability, less maintenance, less training, quicker rollout periods and seamless transitions for teachers that move from one classroom to another. It also has the added benefit of bulk pricing even when purchasing a single item. If we know that over the course of the year we will purchase 1000 computers, we can get that discounted pricing on every computer even though we may purchase 10 computers at a time. Knowing that your district will purchase 1000 computers is a useless bargaining tool if they will come from 100 different vendors. From the backbone to the forefront we have standardized on HP servers on gigabit ports, Cisco LAN and WAN network devices supporting 100MB to the desktop, HP PCs and notebooks in the hands of staff and students which run Windows XP with Office 2003.
Jeremy Wood
Technology Planning Coordinator
Ontario-Montclair School District
On technology hardware/software, we have standardized on Dell computers on the desktop, Cisco on the network, networkable HP laserprinters, and Apples in specialized areas such as video, graphics, and animation.
On technology processes, we try to capture processes in easy to understand flowcharts we share with users and departments. This ensures we have a common understanding of how to purchase technology, surplus technology, backup data, etc.
On technology communication, we standardized on having a periodic “Technology Minute” newsletter so we can reinforce the technology standards message and champion a focused vision of where we want to go.
The benefits? We minimize the risk of users being seduced by every shiny technology object that appears.
Time – Less time wasted reinventing the wheel with standards (backed by Board policy) in place.
Cost – We can take advantage of volume discounts
Quantity – A smaller diversity of hardware and software is easier to support.
Quality – Standards help us produce a higher quality of service (faster response time, time to resolution), since we don’t have to master every piece of technology manufactured.
A bit of luck and pinch of humor also help our users accept technology standards as a good thing for all…..
Thomas Tan, Ed.D.
Director-Information and Education Technology
Jurupa Unified School District
Desktops, Laptops, and Servers: Dell
OS: Windows XP w/ SP3, Office 2007
Network Equipment: Cisco
Printers: HP LaserJet (no longer support inkjets).
Digital Presenters: Elmo TT-02s
Digital Projectors: Infocus Learn Big Series
LCD/Plasma TV/Displays: Samsung 4-Series
Website: Educational Networks
Using standardized equipment has made support more streamlined and more efficient as technology support staff does not have to learn the ins and outs of essentially the same or similar products from multiple vendors.
One aspect I do not see enough emphasis on is the benefit on the user’s side. For example, standardizing on the Samsung 4-Series LCD Displays allows staff member to support each other if for example, one user does not know how to switch the input to Video 1. The teacher next door who might have done it before can easily help. The same goes with digital presenters, web site tools, etc.
We even go as so far to standardize Ethernet cables. Gray for PCs, Black for Printers, Orange for Switch to Switches (like the fiber optic cables). Since the Dell machines have a gray color coded RJ45 jack, we can easily ask when an end-user calls if the “gray phone looking cable is connected to the gray port on the wall as well as the gray port on the back of the computer, and is it lit up?”
Charles Poovakan
Systems Administrator
Ocean View School District
