Other concerns that arise with cloud implementations include the costs associated with integration or migration, how to deal with outdated legacy systems, and staff expertise in handling cloud solutions. Many of these issues can be resolved through a conversation with service providers.
If security is still a top concern, the district can work with independent software vendors to implement additional security to supplement what major cloud service providers are already doing to ensure protection.
Although schools are sometimes hesitant to store important data off-site, April reminds districts that data stored on-premise isn’t 100 percent safe either.
“There’s so much human error that can go on within the four walls of an organization that can potentially put data at risk,” she says.
In other words, data is never completely safe whether stored in-house or in the cloud. Schools can work with their integrators and cloud service providers to come up with a security plan they are comfortable with and that suits the particular needs of their district; that includes customization.
Managing Transition Expectations
Implementing cloud services doesn’t have to mean major transition for schools. They can start small with just a few services. “It starts with appropriate planning, which is instrumental in a successful move to the cloud,” Murphy says.
That means making sure K-12 clients have a solid understanding of all the costs associated with planning, integrating and migrating to cloud. According to Murphy, the average cloud implementation takes about nine weeks. For schools that are completely new to cloud services it may take up to 11 weeks.
These timeframes run from the first day of planning to the final day of deployment. That relatively short period means schools can get cloud solutions up and running without any major disruptions to the school year, which is always a plus. Cloud also brings a convenience factor to education.
“The ability to untether students from whatever equipment happens to be in the school itself brings amazing efficiency and productivity,” April says. “That’s a win-win not only for the students, but for the teachers.”
