Web-based is the Best Choice for your School
Basically, you have two choices when it comes to selecting a student information system:
Web-based or Client-server.
Sycamore Education is 100% web-based.
But what exactly does that mean for your school?
Cost
SE: Our clients don't need to purchase and maintain servers, nor do they need any special equipment. Sycamore delivers a complete school administration and student information system for an affordable ongoing monthly fee that is based on enrollment. There are no additional fees beyond this.
Client-server: Schools must purchase servers and must pay for the personnel to maintain the servers, as well as the internal network. Software is generally purchased up front, and in many cases there is an annual renewal fee. Thus, the cost of getting started requires a significant initial investment.
Accessibility
SE: Our entire school administration system can be securely accessed from any computer with internet access. Administrators, teachers, parents, and students can access ALL of their information from virtually anywhere.
Client-server: Typically, users must be on the local network to access their student information system. Some companies offer remote access to parts of their systems.
Upgrades
SE: Ugrades, enhancements, and new features are constantly being added to Sycamore's onliine student information system.in response to feedback from clients, and in response to advances in technology. These improvement are added to the system automatically, with absolutely no effort required by our clients, and they are implemented with no additional fees. The entire system is upgraded globally, and there is no need for adjustments to individual computers. This saves schools a significant amount of time, resources, and frustration.
Client-server: Upgrades generally require a significant amount of labor from IT personnel. Servers must be upgraded, and each computer using the system must be upgraded, as well. Many companies charge additional fees for software upgrades.
IT Support
SE: Sycamore Education dramatically reduces the overall cost of IT labor. IT personnel do not need to participate in system upgrades, backup of data, security, and system maintenance - Sycamore takes care of all of this.
Client-server: Specialized IT labor is required to maintain the servers and the network, for upgrades, software installation, and to solve network configuration problems.
Security
SE: We've partnered with RackSpace to provide the unbeatable security and reliability offered by a Class A data center. This includes: integrated firewall; VPN; Intruder Detection System; antivirus and antispyware; SSL Certificates; Secure Login, and much more.
Client-server: Institutions depend on the competency of their IT personnel for the security of their servers.
Reliability
SE: Sycamore Education offers 99% uptime.
Client-server: Uptime is dependent upon IT personnel, and the stability of the purchased equipment.
