Schools Compete for Admissions
Alex Darkes, Development Director of Princethorpe, explains:
"We actually operate in a very competitive market and it is critical that we have effective tools to maintain databases, process mailing campaigns and track enquiries and responses. Our set up of 30
workstations supports both our marketing activities and our administrative processes. Current and quickly produced management reporting is essential to the decision making process. And of course we
have another extensive PC network to meet the academic needs of the College. "
Practical Solutions
It was Realcom Applications that installed the Windows® Small Business Server (SBS) in 1998 following a thorough technical survey of the schools needs. The initial installation comprised of the
server and four PC's, including a lap-top that could be used as a terminal to the LAN or for remote dial up access to the system during school holidays and weekends. By the end of 2002 the system
was supporting 30 workstations.
Darkes recalls:
"They made it their business to know our business and came up with practical solutions. It means they can deliver what we as a school want. Their overall knowledge of software and hardware is
impressive and they are good lateral thinkers when it comes to solving problems from several points of view."
Microsoft Authorised Education Resellers
Realcom's recommendations were based on their in depth knowledge of Microsoft's SBS package. In 1998 Realcom were accredited as Microsoft Authorised Education Resellers. Sandra Dillon, Sales and
Marketing Director of Realcom, outlines their confidence in SBS:
"Apart from providing access to Microsoft's comprehensive suite of Office software, SBS is superior in its ability to deliver features, security and expandability. You haven't just got to think
about the schools current set up but where it wants to be in five years time. The system simply has to support growth and higher demands being made of it in the future."
Your Own IT Department
The main benefit of working with a company such as Realcom is that it gives smaller organisations the same kind of IT facilities as larger enterprises – their own skilled IT department, if you like.
"It doesn't really matter who you get your boxes from – some suppliers do tend to operate on a "fit and forget" basis. It's the ongoing support and ability to realise projects that
count. Realcom pay close attention to detail; they are good starters and good completers. And they give us an open all hours support service," says Darkes.
Support
Realcom support service is delivered personally by site visits and remotely by telephone, email, web and remote server log in. The service aim is to provide as speedy a response as possible and the
vast majority of queries are solved by telephone. Realcom looks for customers with which it can establish long term mutually beneficial relationships and prides itself on thorough follow up to all
aspects of support issues. In the event of day to day running problems, software conflicts or hardware failures, Realcom is always there to lend a helping hand and extend personalised training where
required.
Future Developments
Princethorpe have a number of systems development plans in the pipeline including:
- The installation of a dial up link with the St Joseph's site so that common documentation and information can be readily shared. This will also reduce duplication of work and improve accuracy.
- The migration of existing database information to a Windows Access package. This will make the data easier to use, contain a broader range of data such as photographic records and provide
different levels of security access for greater confidentiality.
- Web site traffic will be increased to provide more interaction between the College and its stakeholders. Password protected areas will give parents access to special broadcasts and greater use
will be made of email correspondence.
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