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.
• Synergy^® and the foundation framework ST, 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 Synergy in school districts.
   

Important Considerations Related to Special Education and IEP Process Management Systems

• IT Directors value the fully integrated Synergy Special Education (SE) component of the Synergy Student Information System and they appreciate that this integration allows them to maintain one database rather than two databases that require an interface to exchange data.
• The robust query and reporting capability of Synergy SE allows IT Directors to easily analyze data through custom queries and reporting.  And with the inherent flexibility of the Synergy SE system, IT staff can expand Synergy SE data gathering capabilities by creating user defined fields and screens to capture new data elements that can then be included in queries and reports. Both pre-written and custom reports can be automated for pre-scheduled delivery to selected staff members.
• Timely and accurate state reporting data is critical and IT Directors value the flow of Special Education state reporting data from Synergy SE to the Synergy SIS state reporting screen. 
• IT Directors also appreciate the professional Edupoint customer support when questions need quick, accurate answers.