Whenever thousands of users need to connect seamlessly to a vast number of online resources, identity management (IDM) becomes a critical capability. Although several products on the market can deliver a robust identity management solution, there is no one-size-fits-all. Identity management requires business processes and a supporting…

On average, more than 90% of email is unwanted junk mail--spam. Many spam messages include annoying promotions for irrelevant products, but others include viruses and pornographic content, which can pose a severe legal issue for schools. Spam puts districts in a difficult situation as schools try to enhance learning in the classroom with advanced…

Paying for employee turnover costs, data storage, and multiple layers of benefits can be difficult for fiscally constrained institutions, especially as budget cuts and finance-limiting legislation abound in school districts across the country. Many traditional paper-based systems have been replaced with automated, software-based services, helping…

Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) in Virginia uses a document-imaging solution that leverages the features of a multifunction printer (MFP). An MFP is a printer, scanner, fax machine, and copier all rolled into one. It can scan a document and email it all in one easy step. Software is available that allows the MFP to scan bubble sheets and…

Technology is a critical component in the success of any high-functioning school district, thus it is important that education leaders should examine it closely. Simply put, the purpose of a technology audit is to assess the effectiveness of the technology for administrative or instructional use. Rogers Public Schools in Rogers, Arkansas, recently…

School business administrators have long recognized the need for a workable data recovery plan regardless of cause. Yet many have not reassessed their current data backup and recovery capabilities, perhaps because they have not experienced a catastrophic failure. There are three reasons school business administrators may not realize or recognize…

Planning for microcomputer design and implementation should follow a six-step, classical corporate planning paradigm. The two most helpful tools to accomplish hardware implementation and staff development are setting goals and letting personnel know how these goals will be achieved. (MLH)

Describes a Minnesota school district's approach to managing a day care program, highlighting the integrated database management system used to automate the billing process and to provide complete data concerning the program and its enrollees, constituents, and services. Presents several guiding principles for designing a system matched to program…

Describes selecting and installing a computerized point of sale for a district food service program; the equipment needed and preferred; and the training of trainers, managers, and cashiers. Also discusses the direct benefits and side benefits of the system. (MLF)

Many school business officials have turned to computer equipment leasing. A lease arrangement permits administrators to stretch annual budgets, to appropriate funds, and to easily upgrade or change equipment. Another alternative to high-cost computer purchase is to buy or lease used equipment. (MLF)

A planning committee needed to create a plan for the infusion of technology in all areas of a school district. Decisions included standardization of hardware, network, and wiring. Four figures and text illustrate a network computer and printer in each classroom, a wide area network, and a voice and video network. Offers key suggestions for…

This article was written to help school-business administrators keep track of school-district funds and make the right investment decisions. It provides a directory, which contains detailed information on financial-services firms, the regions they serve, and their areas of expertise. (LMI)

Contains an interview with the president of the Technology Applications Group, Thomas F. Davis, regarding the future of the technology field. Davis offers suggestions for school business officials who are responsible for purchasing future hardware, software, and technology, and describes trends in the technology industry. (Four references) (LMI)

Outlines a systematic approach for evaluating the needs and potential problems involved when school districts seek to update their current information systems. Considers the following components: financial, technical, computer literacy, and information system management infrastructure. (MLF)

Open systems are computer systems designed to meet vendor-neutral international standards. Significant characteristics of open systems are portability (software will run on dozens of hardware programs) and interoperability (computers of different brands can be connected and share resources). Discusses options available to switch to an open system.…