Top public school claims Open Source software improves education

By deploying a Open Source network, one the UK's top public schools claims it has saved thousands in software licensing and allowed its staff to focus on education not ICT equipment. Kings College School, Cambridge has chosen Sirius Corporation to build and support their Linux-based PDC, e-mail and proxy filtering systems.

The new Open Source system includes a number of simple management tools that ICT staff can use to monitor student usage of the Internet, network storage and e-mail.

Wendy Harris, Network Manager at King's College School said: “The decision to use Open Source software does not merely stem from a need to save money, but to save time as well. Without Open Source we would spend our time firefighting holes, hackers and viruses. With Open Source software we spend our time focusing on education, not hardware or software.

"ICT in schools is there to better our children's futures. If the management of computer equipment becomes more important than facilitating teachers, supporting operational staff, or enhancing the learning experience of children, we will have failed to justify ICT in education."

Dr. John Spencer, Head of Education at Sirius Corporation said: “Open Source software like Linux should be an obvious choice for any school looking to save money. We can build Linux servers that work with Windows desktops giving schools all the network functionality the licensing overhead.

"We're delighted to be working with Kings College School and would urge other public schools to see how Open Source software is helping them to run their business."

The project comes following Sirius Corporation's deployment of a Linux-based ICT suite at The Mall School in Richmond.

Notes to the Editor:

About King's College School, Cambridge

King's College School, Cambridge is a leading independent prep school with nearly 300 boys and girls aged 4 - 13. The school enjoys an excellent academic reputation and is particularly well known for providing choristers to the world famous King's College Choir.

For more information visit: www.kcs.cambs.sch.uk

About Sirius Corporation

Sirius Corporation is a leading European IT services group specialising in enterprise-ready Open Source software including databases, email systems, file & print, directory services, and cross-platform authentication. Client's include blue-chip multi-nationals and public sector organisations.

For more information visit: www.siriusit.co.uk
For interviews contact Tom Callway +44 (0)870 608 0063 ext. 6103