Q. What's
this I hear about SIMS.Net then?
Over the last 15
years SIMS has developed and changed a great deal. Many of you will remember
the conversion to a Windows version of the software. The latest developments
have already started with the data moving to an SQL database. This SIMS.NET
development will provide slicker, smaller and better software that accesses
a more secure database. All the old DOS modules, Launcher and any DBF files
will disappear. There are many advantages to the software developing in this
direction. SIMS.NET will be the new launcher software that will allow the
user to edit and enter data directly into the SQL database. In time the .NET
technology will facilitate off-line working and enable a school to access
their data via the school Intranet or via the Internet with the correct
security in place. Eventually the upgrade process will become more automated
without the need for EDIT to run complicated processes involving CDs.
Technical
information: SIMS.NET uses the Microsoft .NET Framework which is like an
extra tool added to your operating system. It is software that connects
information, people, systems, and devices. The .NET Framework is used for
building and running all kinds of software, including Web based applications,
smart client applications, and XML (Extensible Mark-up Language) Web
services.
Q. Will I need to purchase any new hardware or software to use SIMS.NET?
The cost of
SIMS.NET software is included in the annual maintenance charge met from
subscriptions to the EDIT Management Service. This has been the case with
all SIMS developments although the charges raised by SIMS have risen sharply
in recent years.
The first implication of the .NET framework is that
it will not work on a Windows 9x machine. Please note that
Microsoft and SIMS are ending support for Windows 98 soon and schools should
therefore migrate all SIMS workstations to a Windows XP Professional
Operating System immediately.
The SIMS.NET software
writes and reads all the information to and from an SQL database. Free with
MS Server operating systems is a cut down version of Microsoft SQL Server called
the Microsoft SQL
Database Engine (MSDE).
Secondary schools, with many concurrent SIMS users
and a SQL database file close to 2GB, may wish to invest in a separate
Database server and convert to the full version of SQL. The use of the full
MS SQL product will provide for the use of more powerful database
manipulation tools.
The SIMS.NET package
also uses a document server for printing and storage of documents, pictures
and
videos and these may be linked to pupils or staff. This is a very powerful
new facility which will have many implications. Letters from parents or
support staff can be scanned and associated with a pupil record in SIMS to
provide more complete record keeping.
The implications of Document Servers
and the MSDE with respect to hardware requirements are yet to become clear but it is anticipated that
the servers recently installed in all schools will continue to meet SIMS
recommendations for the lifetime of the equipment.
In summary, the servers
recently supplied to all schools will continue to meet the demands of
schools' MIS but it is important to note that schools should ensure that all
workstations accessing the SIMS.NET system are of an
appropriate
specification and running Windows XP Professional.
Q.
What training will my school need?
The SIMS.NET
desktop looks and works in a very different way to the current modules in
Launcher and behaves more like this web page. To benefit from all the new
features in the software, all users will need to attend some training. After
initial familiarisation, training will need to cover the new Reporting and Behaviour Management tools. Further advanced courses will be
offered for users who wish to develop their skills beyond the essential.
Dates for
courses will be posted to the Training Calendar on this web site and in Data and ICT News.
Further advice and information is available by contacting the EDIT Team.
Q.
If I don’t want to do this yet how long can I delay the conversion to .NET?
All secondary
and special schools have already been converted to the .NET suite of
software in time for the January 2005 PLASC return. Primary schools
must have converted to .NET by the following year’s return. The above dates
are absolute deadlines and EDIT encourages schools to think about the
implications of this change and start the planning process to complete the
change in good time. We plan to offer a software update seminar for Head
Teachers, ICT Co-ordinators and school administrators later in the year.
Attendance
for Windows
Q Where can I get the information for
the FORVUS
return to the DFES?
A. Attendance will produce a return with the information.
Select Reports, Groups Analysis Reports, DfES Absence Return.
Q Can I
get a list of children who have had holidays in term time?
A. Select Reports, Selected Student Reports,
Chosen Code. Highlight
Holiday code and choose criteria as appropriate.
Q How do
I get a list of pupils who have 100% attendance?
A. Reports, Selected Pupil Reports, Percentage Attendance.
Having selected the date range and either whole school, year or reg group,
Click on the criteria tab and select ‘Equal to’ inserting 100% when offered.
Q. What
changes are made by simsperm.bat?
A. Access Rights to the Registry
