NSW Selects Microsoft for Rollout of ‘Mini-Laptops’ for Schools

NSW Selects Microsoft for Rollout of ‘Mini-Laptops’ for Schools

SYDNEY, Australia – 1 April, 2009 – Premier Nathan Rees today announced that the New South Wales Department of Education and Training (NSW DET) will adopt the Microsoft Platform, including the Windows operating system and Office productivity suite, as the foundation for its upcoming rollout of mini-laptops, or netbooks, for NSW students and teachers.  Microsoft will provide innovative software, licensing, and support to enable and assist the NSW DET manage the deployment and continuous upgrade of 200,000 student computers, in addition to the 190,000 already in place. 

The arrangement leverages the NSW DET’s existing volume licensing agreement with Microsoft, which provides licenses for up to 1.3 million users, including all students, teachers, administrators, and staff across NSW state schools.

“Together with the State and Federal Governments, Microsoft is laying the foundation for a new era in education,” said Tracey Fellows, managing director, Microsoft Australia.  “Through our partnership, students will have access to tools designed to help them get the most out of school, while also giving teachers the opportunity to create a highly productive learning environment.

“Microsoft is passionate about helping transform education through technology and this partnership will help ensure students are prepared for the real world,” added Fellows.

Today’s announcement concludes a thorough evaluation process conducted by the NSW DET to identify the hardware and software platforms that provide the best environment for teaching and gives students the necessary tools for learning and life. Through the comprehensive suite of software tools provided, NSW will be able to offer students a learning platform that can be personalised to the needs, interests, and strengths of the students, as well as assisting them in their preparation for the workforce.

In addition, Microsoft was chosen for its flexible and manageable approach to fleet management, deployment, software updates, security, and protection for the large number of new laptops.

“We’re looking forward to rolling out Windows laptops to our schools across NSW and are pleased with Microsoft’s innovative and flexible approach to software licensing and support,” said Stephen Wilson, chief information officer, New South Wales Department of Education and Training.  “Microsoft’s solution is closely aligned with the New South Wales Government’s digital education priorities.  

“We’ve also found Microsoft’s platform to be ideal for learning and development and are confident that it is the best platform to accompany our children through today’s education system,” continued Wilson. 

The initial laptop rollout is scheduled for July 2009 with the laptops initially powered by Windows XP. NSW DET intends to adopt and upgrade its fleet to the next generation of Microsoft’s operating system, Windows 7. 

Ease of manageability was identified as a key factor contributing to Microsoft’s selection and Windows 7 was noted as having features that will assist in addressing key criteria, such as direct access, wireless capabilities, improved battery life, system management and an application locker, which is designed to minimise unauthorised downloads.  Windows is also a familiar interface for teachers, students, parents and IT administrators, which will assist in the implementation and training aspect of the roll-out and help to ultimately lower total cost of ownership.

Moreover, with thousands of education focused software developers in Australia and around the world, the NSW Government will, through such development channels, have access to a rich variety of learning software products that are designed to run on the Microsoft platform.  Further, Microsoft support is also available through its 14,000 strong Microsoft partner community in Australia. 

The Microsoft products included in the NSW DET’s existing volume licensing agreement include:

·         Windows Vista Enterprise Upgrade

·         Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007- with OneNote & Groove- and Microsoft Office for Mac Professional Edition

·         Microsoft Enterprise CAL Suite

·         Microsoft Forefront

·         Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack

·         Expression Web

·         Visual Studio Pro

Microsoft Australia has made significant contributions to help transform education through technology.  Through its Partners in Learning programme, Microsoft has provided technical skills training and helped develop modern, innovative curricula for more than 95,000 teachers since 2004.  As part of the programme, Microsoft’s annual Innovative Teachers Awards enable teachers to showcase their most innovative teaching practices.  The company also supports a network of over 300 Computer Technology Learning Centres across Australia, which provides free digital literacy training programmes.  Last week, Microsoft also announced the expansion of its DreamSpark program, which provides professional-level developer and designer software tools and access to training at no charge, to include high school students across Australia.

- Ends -

Media contacts:

Joanna Stevens Kramer, Microsoft Australia, 0408 466 410, joanste@microsoft.com

David Sims, Howorth, 0409 928 209, davids@howorth.com.au