School ICT News Bulletin No. 306 - 17/01/2023Published by ICT Solutions eBulletin Items- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Arbor MIS demonstrations - February 1st and February 2nd
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Techathon is back - February 16th and 17th!
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Update - New Broadband Framework now available
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Anycomms Plus Unavailability - February 13th - 15th
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Google Chrome updates for older versions of Windows operating systems
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Cyber Attacks - A reminder to remain vigilant
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Office 2013 will reach end of support on 11th April 2023
1. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Arbor MIS demonstrations - February 1st and February 2nd
As announced on our website and December e-bulletin, ICT Solutions are now accredited to support the Arbor MIS platform.
We would like to invite Primary and Special Schools to attend demonstrations (via Microsoft Teams), if you are looking to potentially switch MIS in future.
We have organised two demonstrations and the dates/times are as follows:
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Wednesday, February 1st – 10:00 to 11:00 hours
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Thursday, February 2nd – 14:00 to 15:00 hours
If you would like to register interest in attending our demonstrations, please contact the Service Desk and we will send you the joining link - ict@norfolk.gov.uk
Although we do not provide support for Secondary Schools, we are aware that Arbor are putting on some demonstrations themselves and more details can be found at the link here on how to register your interest.
2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Techathon is back - February 16th and 17th!
Norfolk County Council are proud to be one of the sponsors for the two-day techathon for young people, running as part of Norwich Science Festival over half term week.
Tickets for the two-day event cost a maximum of £10, and include lunch, snacks and refreshments on both days. Book your tickets on Eventbrite now!
A fun filled event
The Techathon lets young people aged 8 to 18 explore the possibilities of technology in an informal and creative environment. Over the course of two days, each team takes on one of our challenges, trying out ideas, finding out what works and what doesn’t.
It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, expert mentors and even potential future employers. It’s a fun-packed event with the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and even win prizes.
Find out more at http://stepintotechathon.org/
For any additional queries email hello@stepintotech.org.
General Volunteers and Tech Mentors required
We are looking for both general volunteers and technically minded mentors to help with the techathon on both days. If you would like to volunteer, please contact tanya.allen@norfolk.gov.uk for more information. Lunch and refreshments will be provided to you on both days.
3. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Update - New Broadband Framework now available
ICT Solutions have tendered for suppliers to be on a Multi Broadband supplier framework, effective from September 2022.
The framework agreement is open to all education establishments (e.g., Schools, Academies, Trusts, Federations, Adult Learning centres, Nurseries, Preschools, Alternative provisions) to purchase from, within East of England (Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex) and Lincolnshire.
The scope of this framework agreement includes the supply, installation, management, maintenance, technical architecture, system design and project management associated with the provision of the services.
As part of this tender process, we have assessed suppliers’ technical solutions, compliance against legislation, financial checks, and experience with working with educational establishments to meet your requirements and provide you with a Framework to call off from to meet procurement regulations.
We are pleased to announce the following four suppliers have been awarded a place on our Framework:
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MLL Telecom Ltd
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Rydal Communications
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Talk Straight Ltd T/A Schools Broadband
Unfortunately, Eastern Telephones Ltd T/A Eastern Voice and Data are currently not providing quotes due to an acquisition by 4com. We are waiting for 4com to confirm their compliance against our framework requirements before we agree to novate the award over to them.
For Schools, Academies and Trusts currently on the Updata Connection:
The Capita Updata contract is due to expire on 31st March 2024, and due to infrastructure changes to the current network, it will not be possible to continue with Capita Updata services in its current format after this date.
ICT Solutions have set up a project team to support all Schools, Academies and Trusts in requesting new quotes and migration to new suppliers and services. We will be requesting quotes from all our current Framework suppliers for you based on your current solution (or any upgrades that may now be possible in your area).
There is no obligation to purchase from this Framework, and we have asked our Suppliers not to directly market you.
We have begun working with Capita Updata on exit planning and impacts of leaving the service early, as realistically we will need to start migrating services away during 2023. Capita have confirmed that 40% of the remaining contract term will be payable on migration to another provider, and our suppliers are currently looking at ways they can help with this charge.
We will be in contact with you directly soon about your services and future requirements.
For Schools, Academies and Trusts with a different supplier:
The Framework is free for you to use to carry out a direct award or run a mini competition against your requirements.
You do not need to come via ICT Solutions for quotes or support, your own teams can deal directly with the supplier.
If you would like to contact the suppliers for more information or quotations please see below, stating Norfolk Framework to get the agreed pricing:
MLL Telecom Ltd
Ross Billington - r.billington@mlltelecom.com
Rydal Communications
Neville Narnia - n.nania@rydal-group.co.uk
Talk Straight Ltd T/A Schools Broadband
Charlie Bennett - info@schoolsbroadband.co.uk
4. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Anycomms Plus Unavailability - February 13th - 15th
We have been advised by AVCO that planned maintenance will be carried out during the forthcoming half-term holiday period. Starting early on Monday, February 13th, to close of play on Wednesday, February 15th, the service will be unavailable whilst the platform is upgraded.
We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk
5. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Google Chrome updates for older versions of Windows operating systems
From January 10th, 2023, Google is set to stop technical and security support for the browser running on older Windows operating systems.
They initially planned to cease support on July 15th, 2021, but due to COVID-19, it pushed the deadline back first to January 15th, 2022 and then to January 10th, 2023. Chrome 109 is the last version of Chrome that will support Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 operating systems. Chrome 110 (tentatively scheduled for release on February 7th, 2023) is the first version of Chrome that requires the Windows 10 operating system or later.
Whilst older versions of Chrome will continue to work, there will be no further updates released for users on these operating systems. If you are currently on Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, we encourage you to move to a supported Windows version to ensure you continue to receive the latest security updates. As a reminder, failure to run an up to date operating system puts both your devices and data at greater risk of cyber attacks.
For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Cyber Attacks - A reminder to remain vigilant
As people return after the Festive holiday period, this is a reminder to remain vigilant against cyber attacks. There was an article on the BBC website recently of a school in Gloucestershire that was victim to a cyber attack and a number of schools in both the UK and USA have been the target of similar attacks. The group in question that is responsible for these is 'Vice Society' who demand payment in order not to leak documents stolen.
For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk
7. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Office 2013 will reach end of support on 11th April 2023
Microsoft have announced that Office 2013 will no longer be supported after 11th April, 2023. We recommend that anyone running this version starts upgrading to a later version of Office, such as Microsoft 365 Apps, which includes the Office apps you are familiar with (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). Microsoft 365 Apps are designed to receive regular updates and will help you stay current by getting security updates and the latest features.
Further details can be found at - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/announcements/office-2013-skype-business-end-of-support
For more information, please contact the Service Desk on 01603 475603 or ict@norfolk.gov.uk
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