February 2002 — Industry Perspective
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A 21st Century Model for Maximizing Technology Purchases
The need to upgrade and replace technology. The recommended life span for computers is five years. Software becomes obsolete even faster. In fact, many higher education institutions and school districts rely on significantly older systems or components, so aging hardware and software will need to be replaced eventually. Conversely, a district or college could have recently invested in new technology, so future acquisitions may require compatibility. The ongoing need for upgrade, repair and replacement should also be taken into account.
The current and future availability of financial resources. Is the district or college prepared to make a long-term commitment to technology? Are taxpayers? Ideally, a steady source of funding should cover current, future and ongoing costs. In practice, however, funding often fluctuates. Although new technology is often paid for by bonds, state or federal money, grants or donations, ongoing costs - support, training, maintenance, upgrades, and ever-increasing utility and telecommunications fees - are usually covered by district operating budgets.
Participants' willingness to handle change. Selecting a new platform can be challenging, as resistance to change is often inevitable. Regardless of financial and technological comparisons, adoption of a platform will succeed only if it has the support of most participants. Some individuals might resist change because they are afraid of losing their independence, feel uncomfortable with new technology, or have invested a lot of time and energy in the old technology. The support of the highest levels of district authority is essential in implementing a platform change, while department-level buy-in is critical in higher education.
The ability to implement the plan. In the planning, decision making and implementation process, enlisting the support of the community can ensure success. A district technology committee with representation from all major stakeholders should formulate a detailed, written analysis and plan. Technology decision-makers, especially champions of change, should communicate with all participants during every phase of planning and implementation. After the new technology is installed, thorough training on new systems and procedures will ensure a smooth transition. In addition, schools may offer incentives to teachers and faculty members, such as e-mail accounts or notebook computers, to help ease them in their transition.
A New Way to Evaluate Technology Needs
To assist schools, districts and higher education institutions with this comprehensive evaluation, Microsoft Corp. is anticipating the release of an online assessment tool that helps identify the appropriate operating system for such organizations. The Platform Decision Tool (www.microsoft.com/education/?id=platform) assists school districts and campuses in choosing the computer technology platform that best meets their needs and is a model that supports the TCO methodology. It guides users through a series of simple questions that identify and rank their standing on several landscape factors, and identifies various solutions to best suit the school's, district's or university's needs.
