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Since Covid, two-thirds (64%) of schools across primary and secondary education have been using Cloud technologies in the classroom as an integral part of teaching and learning outcomes. This includes using collaborative software to encourage students to work together and game-based software to introduce interactive ways of learning.
The positive impact of cloud adoption in education can’t be overstated. But it’s also important to recognise that moving to the Cloud is challenging and there is a reluctance to let go of legacy hardware in a sector where tight budgets are under scrutiny.
One solution is to move gradually and take a phased approach to the Cloud in line with existing hardware reaching the end of its life. It’s top of the class-style strategic thinking.
The hardware challenge
The trouble with hardware is that it has already been bought. And when budgets are already over-stretched – 60% of schools say their biggest challenge is balancing budgets – the last thing you want to do is get rid of something before you’ve got your money’s worth.
But migrating to the Cloud means leaving legacy hardware behind. While the change is inevitable, it doesn’t have to be sudden. If your legacy hardware still has life left in it and is still helping you deliver quality teaching, keep using it and look at how new additions can be integrated.
You can modernise your systems in a strategic step-by-step process. As your hardware comes to the end of its life, you can then introduce more software. Instead of an immediate switch, this longer-term view means you can gradually make the change from on-premises to the Cloud.
Flexible deployment
Networking companies, like Extreme Networks, understand that the process of modernising your systems is just as important as the end result.
So, move at your own pace by using a flexible deployment plan to transition to the Cloud. Being flexible will enable you to manage your networks in a local, on-premises mode until you're ready to move to the Cloud. This means you’ll be able to use your existing hardware to its full capacity and make the most of your original investment.
An important element of flexible deployment is ensuring that your networks are secure, whether they’re on-premises or on the Cloud. When you chose an organisation to partner with for the journey, make sure they will protect your entire network. This is especially important because you store and process student data and confidential information, such as exam results.
The benefits of a slow switch
Taking a slower approach to migrating to the Cloud doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on the benefits of modern technology.
Take online learning, for example, which saw speedy implementation thanks to lockdown in 2020. It continues to be useful today and 60% of students say that online technologies have improved their grades — a compelling ROI for schools under pressure from assessment.
As well as improving teaching, online learning is more cost-effective for students and educational institutions. Instead of buying hundreds of books and printing multiple worksheets, resources can be shared online at a significantly lower cost, allowing precious funds to be diverted elsewhere.
Software is less expensive in the long-term – once you’ve bought it, the vendor is responsible for the maintenance costs. Whereas when hardware reaches the end of its life, you’d have to buy it again. By switching slowly, you not only make the most of the hardware investment, but you also stagger the process of buying new software.
Modernise at your own pace
Covid-19 accelerated the adoption of Cloud technologies, but now the crisis is coming from within the classroom. Teachers’ wellbeing is at a five-year low, with admin and lack of resources contributing to work-related stress and poor mental health. Technology can help; 78% of school leaders find that they can save time on parental/carer communication by using technology.
By doing your homework and reviewing your current hardware and software, you can prepare for a gradual approach to change. This will enable you to appreciate the impact of a next-generation network without incurring extra costs.
Extreme Cloud IQ Site Engine helps you meet your network modernisation goals by setting an operational model that suits your pace and needs, negating the need to rip and replace your existing distributed infrastructure.