Schools urged to outsource IT
CNS Education Solutions
Cash strapped heads should consider outsourcing ICT provision, new market research has claimed.
A survey published by technology solutions provider Stone Group revealed that the vast majority of IT decision makers (82 per cent) surveyed believed ICT budgets would either be frozen or cut in the next fiscal year.
The problem will be exacerbated, claims the research, by the lack of flexibility in schools ICT. The survey found that 51 per cent of schools do not use external providers for any services, while only 15 per cent outsource provision to a third party.
The paper argues this rigid approach will lead to a deterioration of services in the UK's schools.
"Failure to take any step to change the way ICT is delivered will undoubtedly result in cost cutting that will affect both the quality of current ICT service deliver and any chance of undertaking continual improvement," said the report.
"After years or relying exclusively on internal expertise... schools must begin to explore the potential financial benefits offered by external resources - from leasing equipment and opting for third party provision for security, to wholesale outsourcing of ICT delivery to minimise capital expenditure."
The survey also revealed that, after budgetary constraints, security was the second biggest concern for school ICT professionals.
However, only 6 per cent said their organisation had a dedicated security budget and a mere 3 per cent sought external advice over security.
