The Value of an Education-Focused Managed Network Service Provider
Download full PDF brochure here.
Improving and sustaining academic performance involves multiple and interrelated applications. Building blocks such as communication tools, distance learning systems, student information systems, assessment tools, curriculum management systems and professional development services each play an important role in improving student achievement. Without a reliable network as a foundation, the building blocks will crumble. Administrators have to construct rock-solid networks that will grow and scale to meet new, increasing and unforeseen needs. Networks have changed from passive platforms for applications to active participants in the delivery of 21st century education.
Connectivity Alone Does Not Equal Functionality
State and federal mandates like NCLB require greater reliance on data-driven decision-making, requiring school systems to implement advanced enterprise systems such as student assessment, student management and curriculum tools. As states and school districts begin introducing these critical systems, they are finding that broadband connectivity alone does not, in fact, equate to successful system-wide implementation. As the need for functionality increases, the interconnectivity of all components across an integrated data communications network becomes essential to daily operations. The increasing complexity of computer networking and networking security, in particular, adds significantly to the technical support burden of all school districts.
The Solution to Doing More With Less: The Managed Network Service Provider
As a leading managed network service provider, ENA is the single point of contact for all connectivity and communication services. ENA delivers a turnkey solution that includes end-to-end connectivity from every site to the Internet. ENA also provides all required customer premises equipment necessary to connect each school’s LAN to the Internet. By partnering with a variety of connectivity providers, and offering continuous help desk and trouble-management services, ENA ensures that each school receives the most cost-effective and reliable connectivity solutions available. ENA leverages existing infrastructure and contracts with multiple communications providers to set the essential foundation for supporting and enhancing network-delivered education. This managed service approach capitalizes on the combined strengths of multiple technologies and communications partners to provide a low-cost, highly reliable network using best-of-breed technologies. School districts, regional educational agencies and state departments of education have neither the time nor the resources to coordinate services between the numerous service providers required to deliver equitable service throughout a district or state. ENA’s solution creates the opportunity to incorporate existing contracts and infrastructures when they are the most cost-effective and efficient means to deliver broadband connectivity. ENA provides a single point of contact and accountability to ensure seamless integration of all technology components. This eliminates the confusion and finger-pointing typically present when problems arise in any network.
Of Particular Importance: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The total costs of a “self-managed” approach to network design, deployment and management over a lifetime of service are typically underestimated. Service contracts offered by telecommunication or cable companies only include the cost of providing specific services, omitting the necessary costs associated with additional hardware, staffing and expertise necessary to actually enable network functionality. Services delivered by ENA include all costs from all parties (hardware, staffing, network management expertise) to deliver an end-to-end functionality that is eligible for Priority 1 funding (Internet and telecom) under the E-Rate program.
The Six Critical Factors to Achieving Equitable Delivery of Advanced K-12 Services
ENA’s solutions address six critical factors to provide states and school districts with up-to-date network technologies and overall management at significant savings:
- Continuous Technology Improvement
- Comprehensive and Equitable Connectivity
- Speed, Reliability and Scalability
- Education-Focused
- Service and Support
- Cost Effectiveness
- Vendor Neutrality
