What is the cloud?

The cloud is a global network of remote servers that host software and various other infrastructure, which is accessed remotely over the internet.

What does this mean for your school?

This means that the hosting of services and systems used in your school is done online and remotely rather than locally at your school. Many schools prefer to use the cloud to host all of their services, meaning they can take a server free approach. Other schools like to go for a more hybrid approach with a mixture of cloud services and locally hosted systems.

Embracing cloud technologies within the education sector has opened up many possibilities for schools and has changed the way technology is used for learning forever.

The first and most important benefit for any school looking to moving to the cloud, is cost.  This is not just in terms of hardware sitting in your school but also indirect cost savings over a period of time. Many cloud based services use annual subscriptions, meaning your school can budget for this over time. Furthermore, the use of systems on the cloud reduces the need to replace old servers.

IT Systems Cloud technology services include:

• Our Multisite solution for Multi-Academy Trusts gives seamless network access across all sites from any location. This enables staff to work effectively using a single login and access to the same service, apps, files and folders no matter where they are creating a single platform for ease of use.
• A secure cloud-based hosted wireless system gives you the ability to provision robust, secure and seamless connectivity across your estates managed and supported from a single pane.
• Our cloud backup service provides a fully automated, RPA-compliant data backup solution for protecting your data both on and off site.  If the unthinkable should happen, the recovery and re-provisioning of data onto the school network system is part of our end-to-end safety process.
• IT Systems Access provides schools with a virtual desktop to their school system on any device that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Staff are able to access network software, drives and systems in a dedicated and secure environment.
• IT Systems is able to offer you a fixed-cost, hosted cloud telephony service which can grow with your estate including call handling, diversion and mailboxes.
• Our infrastructure as a service provides schools with enterprise-level networking capability without the high-end price tag.  It incorporates DFE-guidelines for school network infrastructure ensuring schools get the very highest level of service.