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What should an IT Director expect from the new student information system?
Needs and expectations are in a constant state of change for today’s K-12 IT
Director. No longer can the new student information system define a static clear
line as to what it does, how it integrates with other applications and how the
IT staff is able to use this mission critical system to achieve required end
goals. The following list identifies just a few key attributes the new student
information system must possess to not only be successful now, but more
importantly, how the system will be successful in adapting to future needs:
- Enterprise level integration is an absolute must. No longer is it optional that
the new student information system provide integration with various sub-systems
deemed optional in years past (e.g. LDAP, SIF, etc.) to ease in scalability
needs, open access via ODBC (and other data access means), web service based
architecture for outside tighter 3rd party integration, and a technology
platform where there is an abundance of available and capable staff.
- As underlying systems become more complex, it is expected that it is easier to
install, update and support these new applications.
For the smaller districts:
- Provide a simple deployment model that includes an on-site pre-configured
application and system software appliance, thus eliminating the need for staff
to understand or maintain the hardware and system software to run the new
student information system.
- Optionally, provide an off-site application host in ‘the cloud’ that supports
one touch hardware configuration and scaling based on need and demand.
For the medium and larger districts:
- The new student information system must allow for the ultimate level of
integration by providing the district access to the same development tools used
by the vendor to extend and enhance the student information system over time,
thus realizing the true value of an extensible, open and modern enterprise level
solution.
GENESIS™ and the foundation framework RT, provide all of these enterprise-level
features required of today's student information systems. Providing the
application is only part of the picture required to achieve true project
success. Edupoint's implementation process helps districts think through all
aspects of the project from hardware configuration, through training to
installation and data conversion. It is through this time tested process that
Edupoint ensures success implementing GENESIS™ in school districts.
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