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:

Microsoft Office 365 Academic (Faculty) / 50 / $100/month
Microsoft Office 365 Academic (Student) / 25 / $37.50/month
Photoshop Essentials (Academic) / 16 / $1120
Adobe Production Premium CS6 (Academic) / 6 / $2514
$3771.50 (one-time)
+ $137.50/
month

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:

Meraki non-cloud commercial access points / 2 / $398
Electrical wiring if needed / 2 / $350
Installation & Server Change Labor / 8 / $560
$1308

Option 2:

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

Costs:

Meraki cloud-managed commercial access points / 2 / $1298
Electrical wiring if needed / 2 / $350
Installation & Server Change Labor / 8 / $860
$2508

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