Technical Support

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On Site Technical Support Service

You will be aware that, from September 2003, EDIT's on site technical support services were suspended to allow the team to concentrate on the roll out of the Rochdale Schools Network. Whilst the roll out is not yet complete, the team is now able to re-instate the service from April 2004. We thank schools for their patience and understanding during this very demanding period.

Technical help line and other system wide services are now provided via the Rochdale Schools Network and these may be augmented by access to on site technical support.

The objective of the service is to provide schools with access to trained and experienced on-site technical support and assistance. An experienced and fully trained EDIT technician will undertake these visits. Every effort will be made to ensure that the same technician undertakes these visits to your school in order that they are able to build up an understanding of your systems, strategies and ICT development schedules.

The service will assist IT co-ordinators, administrators and head teachers with the day to day management, maintenance and development of an efficient ICT system in your school. This technician will be able to operate in both administrative and curriculum ICT areas.

The control of tasks that are to be undertaken will rest with schools. An action list should be drawn up and agreed with EDIT in advance in order that the technician may deal efficiently with configuration and maintenance issues.

The services provided by the technician might include:

	Regular system health checks and system assessment
	Monitoring and the performance of networks
	Identifying future hardware upgrades and purchases
	Installation and upgrades of software
	Connection of new computers
	Set up of shared printer facilities
	Regular check-up of backup strategies
	Addition of SIMS functionality to workstations
	Prevention of access by unauthorised staff to SIMS programmes
	Assistance in the development and implementation of policies and systems

What is the cost?

Hourly Rate	£35
Half day visit rate (normally 3 hours)	£100
Full day visit rate (normally 6 hours)	£200
Schools may choose to pre-book a series of visits. The frequency of visits could be weekly, fortnightly, monthly or a series of occasional pre-booked visits. Specific dates do not necessarily need to be agreed when the series of visits are booked.

Can I use my grant funds?
Yes, ICT grant funds may be used to purchase this support service

Will the same person visit each time?
Whilst every effort will be made to ensure that the same technician undertakes visits, this cannot be guaranteed in all instances.

Who do I contact?
If you wish to discuss your requirements in more detail or book a series of visits please contact Dave Rothwell, IT Support Coordinator drothwell@edit.org.uk

The EDIT Team also offers support in the examination of the approach to management of ICT across the school. A consultancy visit can be used to focus on best use of the software currently in use, or to examine current data management processes. Each visit can be tailored to the requirements of the school. Contact EDIT to discuss your particular requirements and objectives.

Consultancies are available for half or full day. Fee to be agreed with individual school depending on Consultancy content.