Technical Services. Making technology work for schools

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1 Technical Services Making technology work for schools

2 Why Choose MGL? Our partnership with MGL has been of the highest quality. The professionalism and enthusiasm of MGL's staff is a revelation for those of us used to the normal standard of ICT support. This is what school's like mine need - timely support, reliable products and helpful ideas for moving us forward. MGL is the leading, independent provider of technical support services to schools across the Northwest. We have been providing technical support, advice and guidance since 1998 and our team has over 250 years of school specific experience. As the company has grown MGL has seen technology in schools develop from the introduction of networked computers and basic interactive whiteboards to today s wireless networking and handheld learning such as ipads. Over the last decade, MGL has worked in partnership with leading ICT manufacturers to ensure that each school has a solution which is tailored to their particular requirements. Through our skilled technical team we can support all aspects of a school s network and products including Apple, Microsoft and RM. Alongside the core expertise of each member of the technical team, MGL employs specialist technicians to support specific issues in schools including wireless, server based networking, SIMS and internet service provision. MGL offers fully outsourced Managed Services, a model that is increasingly popular within many of our partner secondary schools. However, we recognise that in some schools the fully outsourced model is not required and so we tailor those elements of technical support that are most appropriate to meet specific technical and financial needs. MGL s Technical Services includes: Regular Technical Visiting Service Technical Support Helpdesk (via , telephone or online) Emergency Callout Service Ofsted Support Network Auditing Annual Reporting Hardware Procurement Service Integration of new technology such as mobile devices Installation Project Management SIMS Support Internet Service Provision Audio Visual Management Print Management esafety Training Data Management Remote Backup Service Senior Management Briefings In order to ensure value for money for our clients and to guarantee that we remain at the forefront of technology in schools, MGL works with a range of partners and providers including; Apple, Microsoft, BT, Virgin, NAACE, Fujitsu Siemens, Toshiba, Meru, Cisco, DLink, Samsung and SMART. Our services remove the burden of technical support from teachers and school leaders, giving them more time to think strategically about embedding technology across all areas of curriculum learning as a teaching aid to raise standards in education and the achievement of young people.

3 Technical Visiting Service Do you find yourself in the situation where all you hear from your colleagues is that the technology isn t working, and your technician is telling you that the school needs to spend more money to fix the problem? It s a common issue that many schools face. But what should you spend your IT budget on? Will spending the budget on equipment fix your problems? There are no simple answers to these questions. MGL works with each of its partner schools to devise a strategic plan for ICT investment and support its implementation in a phased and controlled manner that the school can afford. This sounds simple enough but what are the steps for each school to achieve this? Collate appropriate information that will allow you to make strategic decisions. To facilitate this, schools need to work with a partner who can provide professional advice and guidance so that long term goals are planned for, and the steps to achieve those goals are in clear and easy stages. This plan should not just be a shopping list of desired hardware, but a clear directional shift in the way ICT is used inside (and outside) the school. Engage all staff in the vision and ensure that the delivery aspects of the overall plan are provisioned for in terms of training and mentoring to ensure it is effectively implemented by the whole school team. Monitoring and evaluation of the plan to take account of budget and technology changes as well as curriculum initiatives and staff progress is essential to ensure that it continues to work in the context of the school. So how can MGL support this process? We have always taken a partnership approach to technical support. Our technical services team has strong links with the company s curriculum services team of experienced teachers, to deliver an ICT vision that fully supports the educational targets of each school. Our service delivery model integrates teaching and technical staff into regional units which focus on specific geographic areas to provide local understanding of each school s aspirations for their children. With an ever increasing demand for bespoke solutions, MGL not only provides technical support but also data cabling, power installation, bespoke bench solutions, projector/audio installations, specialist carpets, air conditioning and much more. We pride ourselves on being able to support the full range of key educational technologies such as Apple, Windows and Linux based systems. Our core service offer provides: An initial audit and site survey to review the current ICT infrastructure and suggestions for future developments An on-site visit for half a day (approximately 3 hours) once per week or fortnight by a named MGL Network Technician with flexible start times to suit the needs of the school Regular and anytime access to MGL senior technical/hardware consultants for Infrastructure and equipment procurement advice, visioning, strategy and consideration of future developments. Use of this service is recommended to be at least one visit per term Three free reactive callout credits to respond to emergency requirements Access to the MGL Technical Support helpdesk providing telephone and online support and guidance on all aspects of ICT issues Coordination of all hardware issues on behalf of the school according to existing warranties Ability to provide one-to-one, hands-on training to increase ICT technical awareness amongst school staff Installation and technical support of all curriculum software used by the school Recommendations and management of existing antivirus software, staff and student access privileges, backup and disaster recovery procedures as well as advice on data and internet security

4 Our Approach We take a supportive approach to helping schools get the most from their technology, ensuring that they can deliver an engaging and enriching curriculum. This starts with us listening to schools and understanding where they are now and where they would like to be in terms of technology. Track Record MGL is completely focused on the education arena, supporting over 700 schools through a technical services team with over 250 years of school experience. Understanding the Requirements We undertake an initial audit and site survey to ensure we develop an ICT strategy that is subject to regular review and which considers all aspects of technology; not just infrastructure but also practice. Dedicated Staff You will benefit from an MGL named technician who will understand your school, your staff and your needs so that we deliver appropriate services and support at the right time. Your School Our Partner The Best Solution for You MGL is independent of manufacturers but has relationships with most leading education providers. This ensures that the solutions we offer use the most appropriate technology that is the best fit to meet your needs. There When You Need Us MGL s Helpdesk is there as a first port of call for those issues that arise when your technician isn t on site. We take your IT problem and manage it through to a satisfactory conclusion. A Holistic Provider MGL is committed to providing all aspects of a school s technology requirements. From hardware solutions to benching, internet service provision to data cabling, managed printing to SIMS support. MGL project manage the whole process so even the most complex projects are delivered by a single point of contact. Bringing the World to You The demands of the academic calendar may mean that senior leaders don t get the opportunity to reflect upon changes and developments that may have an impact (good or bad) upon your school. Through review programmes, regular seminars and annual events we work with a range of partners to ensure schools are updated about technology so that you are able to make informed decisions. Value for Money Our services aren t just aimed at ensuring a working IT network, but focus upon getting the maximum value for schools. All of our services can be tailored to meet school budgets whilst offers such as managed print, telephony and audio visual services seek to improve quality whilst reducing cost.

5 The service we have received from MGL has been a refreshing change from having to deal with the local authority. We currently secure our internet services through MGL and, despite the best efforts of the local authority to persuade us otherwise, we have a service that meets our requirements and has been relatively problem-free. Where glitches have occurred, the service from MGL has been professional, rapid and effective in resolving issues. I am pleased that we decided to take this service from MGL as it has meant better value for money than the local authority option.

6 Hardware Solutions MGL works with leading manufacturers to bring our partner schools the latest in classroom based technologies from across the globe. MGL s Hardware Solutions Team manages all of your hardware supply and installation services from laptops to data cabling, ipads to wireless networks. Over the years our team has been involved in the implementation of all shapes and sizes of solutions for schools including: Wireless Networking Interactive Whiteboards PCs and Laptops Data Cabling and Power Hall Projection Systems Digital Signage Handheld Learning Devices 3D Projection Systems Visualisers and Document Readers Interactive Surfaces Benching have provided MGL school with ideas I would have only dreamed of in years gone by, these are now being implemented to provide a fantastic learning opportunity for the children. Our team will work with you to secure the most appropriate technology at the very best price delivered, installed and supported if required via a single point of contact. For more information about how MGL Hardware Solutions can benefit your school contact us on or or enquiries@mglworld.com PC/Server Equipment Laptops/Notebooks Wireless Tablet Interactive Technologies Digital Signage

7 Managed Print Solutions Over the last few years the cost of printing in schools has grown significantly. In many schools printing is often the biggest single variable cost in a school s budget. MGL offers schools the opportunity to rationalise the cost of printing by auditing equipment, printing processes and the purchase of consumables. As with all of our services, we aim to offer a solution which reduces costs while enhancing quality. For a single fee MGL provides a Managed Print Solution which: Provides and guarantees all printers Provides and fits all ink and other printer based components Regularly services, manages and maintains all equipment As part of this service we are also able to implement print management software which allows different users different privileges and allows schools to allocate resources to different departments. MGL s Managed Print Solutions offer a number of key benefits for your school: Free no obligation audit of current printing services and costs Managed solutions which assist in cost control and environmental impact of printing Training and technical support offered by MGL s staff Single point of contact for printing issues Audio Visual Systems Few classrooms and school halls are now complete without a fixed projector and display. Despite this, few of these everyday units are ever cleaned and maintained to ensure their optimal performance. Furthermore, the cost reduction in projection units and bulbs has not been felt in schools as manufacturers maintain pricing by bringing to the market more powerful equipment. MGL has designed a service which enables schools to make Audio - Visual Equipment a fixed cost in your school budget. Working with our Technical Services team, MGL will ensure that all projectors are cleaned and maintained on a twice yearly basis, that all bulbs are replaced, new projectors are installed to replace obsolete equipment and all installations are periodically checked and new installations are undertaken within one, fixed, annual price. Key Features Regular cleaning and maintenance checks Obsolete equipment replaced on a rolling programme Used bulbs replaced and securely disposed of One fixed price for service and equipment Annual report detailing life cycle of all identified AV equipment in school Warranty issues managed with manufacturers

8 ISP - Primary Link In response to changes in the delivery of Broadband and Internet Service Provision by most Local Authorities, MGL and its partners have developed an exciting new service for Primary Schools which places you in control of and filtration services whilst offering super - fast broadband connections. The PRIMARY LINK* Service offers: Dedicated connection to the Internet providing speed to your school of up to 40Mb Unlimited addresses with offsite hosting, backup and management Filtration systems which can be managed both on your school site and remotely allowing your schools to provide or restrict access to certain websites based upon curriculum requirements Free installation Free training on the use and management of the filtration system Using MGL's services has been one of the best decisions we've made, and one of the easiest to champion. We were initially dubious because the price was much lower than others, but MGL has proven to us consistently that less expensive is very different to cheap! The PRIMARY LINK Service has no hidden costs or charges and is based upon technologies and products used extensively both in the education and corporate sectors. The aim of the service is to provide a cost effective Internet solution for Primary Schools which is; SAFE, SECURE, RELIABLE and FLEXIBLE and which also places control back in the hands of schools. *The service delivery is subject to survey

9 For more information us at or visit or call MGL Liverpool Fairfield House, Binns Road, Liverpool, L7 9NE T: F: MGL Manchester Crossacres Primary School, Crossacres Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M22 5AD T: F: Copyright 2014 Merseygrid Limited. All rights reserved. All trademarks are acknowledged.