District Network Infrastructure Capital Projects Presentation Board of Finance District Network Infrastructure March 27, 2012 Simsbury Public Schools

BOE Strategic Plan: Improvement Indicator #8 “Provide increased access to quality information technology hardware and software for students and staff.” and staff.”

District Network Infrastructure Project: $1.8 million Client Virtualization of our computer network (“Thin Client”) over a 3 year period What is virtualization? Why do we need to make this investment? Why is this the best option?

District Network Infrastructure Create a new district-owned network infrastructure to replace approximately 2,000 aging desktops with virtual “Thin Clients” to achieve the following: 1.Reduce the long-term total cost of ownership of the district’s network infrastructure, 2.Improve over all network performance and management efficiency, and 3.Provide a platform for remote access, mobile devices and instruction.

Thin Client Distributed Computing Thin Client versus Distributed Computing A popular alternative since the early 1990’s Client only passes keyboard/monitor/mouse signals to the network Lowest upgrade costs / Low Total Cost of Ownership Every logon performs like a freshly built PC Centralized management Platform neutral Consumer-grade Internet connection friendly Over time can significantly reduce electricity consumption This is a different approach to networking Client Virtualization

Technology Equipment Funding History

Slowness Most frequent computer issues: McAfee updates Real Player instances MS policy downloads Malware Spyware IE Toolbars Heightened expectations On-access scanning Intermittent problems Age: ½ of computers from 2002 Startup items Low memory Anti-virus Anti-spyware Anti-malware

Upgrade to Windows 7 and Office 2010 Improve PC Performance—Sustainability Improve Repair Response Times Remote options for students and staff Access and Quality Needs:

Option A Option A – More of the same (distributed computing) Two options to meet these needs: : Network Resources Network Resources Operating system, apps, and processing happen at the client PC All processing happens at centrally managed network servers Option B Option B – Thin Client

Option A Option A – More of the same (distributed computing) Follow a traditional replacement schedule for PCs. Hire additional tech support. Two options to meet these needs: ‘ 12 ‘ 13 ‘ 14 ‘ 15 ‘ 16 ‘ 17 $ Current Spending Level $ $ Option A $ $ Option B $ ‘ 12 ‘ 13 ‘ 14 ‘ 15 ‘ 16 ‘ 17 $ Current Spending Level $ Option B Option B – Thin Client Change the current computing paradigm. Improve PC performance at a fraction of the cost. Do not hire additional tech support.

Thank you

Client Virtualization Project Budget Summary