Ramesys goes to top of class

Education reseller wins Approved Technology Innovator of the Month award for September

Supply teachers are no longer needed at the Philip Morant School and College in Colchester thanks to specialist education reseller Ramesys, winner of the CRN/Syscap Approved Technology Innovator of the Month award for September.

As well as building a 700-node network and setting up broadband links for the school, Ramesys helped construct a 118-seat learning centre that enables pupils to continue their studies when teachers are absent.

The project has reduced costs for the school, which no longer has to hire supply teachers, and has improved conditions for permanent staff.

No longer obliged to cover for colleagues, they now have guaranteed free time and can plan their work more effectively.

Russell Moon, head teacher at Philip Morant, said: "We're delighted with Ramesys and see it as a long-term partnership."

He added that the system had increased teacher satisfaction and improved the quality of contact between pupils and staff.

Steve Smith, business development director for education at Ramesys, said the project was a big challenge.

"The resource centre was fairly complex and there is not much scope for downtime. If there are 100 children sitting in front of machines the expectation is that the computers are all working," he said.

Ramesys has also provided mobile solutions, wireless networking and extensive integration services for the school.

The company hopes other schools will replicate the project, which is being held up as an example of best practice by central government.

The Innovator of the Month is sponsored by Syscap and backed by CRN and its sister title Computing. Nine of this year's 11 monthly winners have been named and the October winner will be announced soon.

This is your last chance to enter for the monthly award and be shortlisted for one of two annual awards, one for the private sector and one for the public sector, at the Channel Awards.

To enter your company or supplier for the awards go to www.crn.vnunet.com and click on the Innovator of the Month button.