Capita IT Services unveils: - a new cloud technology concept for schools
- plans to launch a new suite of ISP services to the education market
Capita IT Services will unveil two new modular ICT services for schools at BETT 2011, adding managed services and ISP services to Capita’s existing OPENHIVE learning platform. The cloud technology concept for in school ICT is designed to reduce the amount of on-site server infrastructure by centralising the delivery of software and services off-site. This will be complemented by the launch of a new suite of cloud ISP services tailored specifically for individual schools, clusters, federations, academies and local authorities.
The cloud technology service, which will be available in spring 2011, is designed to offer schools flexible ways to pay for ICT services and enable them to keep up with the changing technology landscape. As part of the new concept, there will be an option for a per user charging model with customers paying only for the services or capacity required. The use of a cloud service will reduce the amount of technology that each school has to invest in and also cut the cost of upgrades and maintenance.
Capita
IT Services already has 2.5 million learners connected on its infrastructure. The new ISP service will enable schools to get connected and provide web filtering, remote backup and access, e-safety services and web hosting.
These educational broadband and ISP services will sit alongside the market leading OPENHIVE software as a service (SaaS) education learning platform and can be delivered in combination with key learning applications such as the virtual learning environment (VLE), portal and parental reporting services; giving schools a unique blend of educational ISP and learning services in one.
Building on Synetrix’s (now part of Capita IT Services
2
) strength as a leading educational ISP provider and recognising the changes in policy and ICT funding, this move will enable schools to use more tools that support teaching and learning to drive educational attainment.
Steve Smith
, director of learning, Capita IT Services, commented on the new services: “We have designed these concepts using 25 years of expertise and experience in the education market. The services have been developed to support schools and colleges in meeting the financial challenges they are facing. Technology will never stop advancing and it is essential that schools are equipped with modern ICT; otherwise future generations will be playing catch-up in a very competitive world.”
Capita
IT Services is an accredited supplier on Becta’s ICT Services Framework in Lot 1 and 2. Lot 1 is for
Infrastructure and Mobile Connectivity and Lot 2, ICT Integration Services.
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1
Capita
IT Services’ OPENHIVE is the first truly integrated learning platform that brings ICT services together, from MIS (management information system) through to email, portal, VLE (virtual learning environment), filtered IM (instant messaging) and online reporting.
2
Capita
acquired Synetrix, provider of
ICT application, communication and infrastructure solutions to the public sector, in December 2009. Capita IT Services, part of The Capita Group Plc, is a leading outsourcing, managed service and network infrastructure solution provider for a broad range of clients in the public and private sectors. Capita IT Services design, implement, support and operate IT infrastructures, networks, applications and processes.
It is also a specialist supplier of integrated ICT solutions to schools and communities in the UK and a leading ICT partner in the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and Academies programmes. Drawing on the joint expertise of its own in-house educationalists and global partners in software, hardware and construction, Capita IT Services works with schools to select and integrate the best combination of relevant market-leading products. This ensures its Becta-accredited solutions are visionary and meet the needs of learners, teachers, and management, plus importantly, every school’s own developmental pathway into the future.
Capita IT Services has been providing school solutions for over twenty five years and has a deep understanding of the evolutionary needs of the school environment. It works in partnership with UK schools and Academies, helping learners and teachers to maximise their potential and supporting the involvement of parents, governors and the whole community. Further information on Capita IT Services can be found at: www.capita-its.co.uk
The Capita Group Plc is the UK’s leading provider of BPO and integrated professional support service solutions. With 36,800 people at more than 250 sites, including 60 business centres across the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and India, the Group uses its expertise, infrastructure and scale benefits to transform its clients’ services, driving down costs and adding value. Capita is quoted on the London Stock Exchange (CPI.L), and is a constituent of the FTSE100 with revenues for 2009 of £2,687 million.
Further information on The Capita Group Plc can be found at: http://www.capita.co.uk
For media enquiries please contact:
The Capita Group press office
Antoinette Huka – 020 7654 2332 / Antoinette.huka@capita.co.uk
Kirsty Sewter – 020 7654 2386 / Kirsty.sewter@capita.co.uk
Out of hours – 020 7654 2399