Phase 1: Software Update

November 6, 2012November 6, 2012

November 5, 2012

Recommendations:

Phase 1: Software Update

• Replace all Microsoft Office with the latest version
  (2013 for PC, 2011 for Mac)
• Add 12 copies of Photoshop Essentials to Computer Lab
• Replace local Microsoft Exchange email services with Microsoft-hosted, Microsoft-maintained version (Office 365)
• Give staff, teachers, and board members licenses to use the latest Microsoft Office Pro Plus version on up to four personal computers, tablets, or phones.
• Provide video-conferencing & web-conferencing services to all staff & teachers
• Provide 6 copies of Adobe Production Premium (CS6) for use on Mac or Windows

Benefits:

• Update to the latest, most capable software (Students can learn current software & eliminate incompatibility with their home computers)
• Remove all maintenance & support costs related to Microsoft Exchange (will be handled entirely by Microsoft for free)
• Simplify the internal server & support situation
• No more teaching via unlicensed, trial software
• Full, Legal Academic licenses can be transferred to new equipment anytime
• Continual access to all newest Microsoft software via the Office 365 program

Costs:

Installation (optional):

Office Pro Plus on 50 computers: $1000

Photoshop Essentials on 16 Lab Computers: $150

Adobe Production Premium CS6 on 6 computers: $150

Migrate 60 mailboxes from local server to Microsoft-Hosted Cloud: $4500 (includes user support & transition assistance for 60 users, 60 computers)

Note: These options require some discussion.

Phase 2: Network Overhaul

In general:

• Change DNS & DHCP to conform to Microsoft’s new best practices recommendation.
• Shift from a complicated, expensive local server setup to a modern, secure, cloud-hosted infrastructure supported and maintained (largely for free thanks to academic pricing) by Microsoft
• Replace consumer-grade wireless routers with a commercial-grade solution
• Benefits: Stable, Reliable Wi-Fi throughout the campus

Two Options:

Option 1:

• Replace wireless infrastructure with two Meraki commercial-grade wireless access points.
• Supplement weak areas (if any) with 1 or 2 of the existing consumer-grade access points.
• Shift DNS & DHCP functionality from Server to Router
• Reduces load on server
• Reduces the “every morning reboot” problem
• No need for server-based gateway functions in this size network environment

Costs:

Option 2:

• Same as Option 1 but using two cloud-managed Meraki access points for more power & flexibility

Costs:

Phase 3: Shift from Local to Cloud

In general:

• Move local file sharing (“U: Drive”) to a secure cloud-hosted server

Benefits:

• Allows teachers & students to easily and securely access their files from off-campus
• Allows students to submit assignments online
• Reduces maintenance and support costs by removing dependence on local server
• Reduces need for complicated VPN connections and expensive firewall hardware

Short-Term:

• Setup secure cloud-based hosting accounts for all teachers and students
• Costs:
• $350 setup
• $150 Staff Training
• $109/month shared file hosting & maintenance & support

Long-Term:

• Similar functionality should be available from Microsoft by Spring 2013, at the same pricing or lower, possibly free

Phase 4: New Computers

Option 1:

New Apple iMac 21.5”: $1249 (from Apple Academic store)

-All-In-One

Option 2:

New Dell Inspiron One 2330 23” touchscreen: $859

-All-In-One

Option 3:

New Dell Vostro 270s: $703 w/ 21.5” monitor

-Small Form Factor Desktop

Installation & Setup: $35 per computer or included with service plan (see Phase 5)

Phase 5: Service Plan

Goal: Stable, reliable infrastructure + predictable expenses for MSA

Solution: Computer Troubleshooters’ B.E.S.T. Plan, including:

• 24/7 Network monitoring & System Health Alerts
• Secure Internet Backup
• Spam Filtering
• Online Content Filtering
• Unlimited Remote & Carry-In Service
• Unlimited Onsite support for Servers, Routers, & Wireless
• Additional Services at Discounted rates
• Priority service (same day for urgent issues)
• Includes Installation/Setup of new computesr

Covers: 50 MSA computers, 2 Servers, + Entire network infrastructure

$1900/month

Bonus: Includes unlimited online training for MSA staff from Bigger-Brains.com, including Microsoft Office 2010 courses.

CT-Anderson.comProposal for Mastery School of Anderson 11/5/2012