Capita are working on a new SIMS Deployment Server which, it is hoped, will streamline the installation of the SIMS client and associated infrastructure to machines in schools.

Replacing the current system with SOLUS 3, the Deployment Server will employ a service that controls SIMS updates at school by communication with a SIMS Agent on the client workstation.

The SIMS Agents sit on each SIMS computer, understanding the role of the machine (e.g. SIMS SQL Server or FMS Client).

These “smart” agents can update SIMS without user intervention as well as install clients afresh. As infrastructure packages can also be deployed, it should remove the need for visits to PCs.

Updates can also be deployed when it is convenient for the school (overnight, middle of the day etc.).

We are attending a SIMS Technical Consultation Group in Doncaster on Tuesday 18th November 2008, so we’ll hopefully be able to provide more information after this event.

I know some schools have already seen a presentation on the subject so please fill any gaps in this post by commenting below!

The Innovative Teachers Network has produced a collection of video case studies demonstrating the successful use of ICT in schools. The video below served as a reminder to me of why I do the job I do.

Video: Innovative Schools - Trailer Video

Please visit the Microsoft UK Schools Blog for more information.

Microsoft’’s Small Basic is a, well, small language designed to introduce beginners to programming. Deriving it’’s inspiration from the original BASIC language, it has just 15 key words yet provides features like instant context sensitive help.

For more information, please visit the Microsoft Small Basic DevLabs page.

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Capita announced at the recent Software Update Seminar that they are considering using the Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Engine to power SIMS reports in the next decade. As a result, SIMS may well be migrated to MS SQL Server 2008 in spring 2010.

The first reports to use the new engine will replace those currently found in Nova-T4, followed by FMS and then the rest of SIMS.

Consultation will begin in March 2009 and we’ll be keen to get as much input from Bolton schools as possible.

The reason Capita are not considering the reporting engine in SQL 2005 (the version currently used by SIMS) is that it isn’t fully functional in the Express (free) version used by most non-secondary schools. Changing the reporting engine without a move to SQL 2008 would result in those schools losing the ability to create custom reports.

The move to SQL 2008 in early 2010 will have licensing implications for those on the full version of SQL Server 2005. We made enquires with our licence re-seller regarding purchasing SQL Server 2008 licences now and downgrading. The response was as follows:

“Customers will have full downgrade rights as long as licences are purchased via Select.  Box products do not have downgrade rights.”

So, if you are about to make the move to full SQL Server 2005, buy 2008 licences with downgrade rights to future proof your investment. For those already on the full version with 2005 licences, please consider budgeting for SQL Server 2008 licences in the next fiscal year.

On her Channel 10 blog, Sarah Perez has posted some details and screenshots of the pre-beta version of Windows 7.

Features include a new task bar, updated networking and “less noisy” UAC.

To read this superb post in full, please click here.

Bolton Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Windows 3.x, first launched by Microsoft in May 1990, is officially no longer.

According to the BBC News website, Microsoft stopped issuing licences on the 1st November 2008.

Even though Microsoft ended mainstream support of Windows 3.x at the end of 2001, it has continued to exist as an embedded operating system, powering cash tills, ticketing systems and even entertainment systems on some long-haul jets!

I was working for the Education and Arts IT Unit (as we were known then) back in 1996 when our primary school offices were fitted out with a 486 PC running windows 3.11. The head teacher had a 386 running MS-DOS 5.0!

Please click here to view the full article.

Thanks to our very own Paul Seel for the tip.

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As part of their major shift towards cloud services, and perhaps in direct response to Google Docs, Microsoft have announced at PDC 2008 plans to “deliver Office Web applications – lightweight versions of Office – through web browsers”.

This will give users web versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote powered through Microsoft’’s Office Live service, with both ad-based and subscription offerings.

To learn more, please click here for the official announcement.

Thanks, once again, to Microsoft’s Steve Clayton for the information.

Bolton Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.