Big changes are coming for the Buffalo Public Schools Information Technology infrastructure. Phase V of the District-wide Technology project included the construction of two state of the art, centralized data centers. LP Ciminelli, Hewlett-Packard, and Alternative Information Systems are the primary businesses responsible for the construction and technology installed in these unique facilities.
The primary purpose of the data centers is to harness the power of the server-based, centralized computing services known as virtualization. Virtualization is a computing technology that takes most of the thinking and mechanical functions of a desktop computer, like running programs or storing documents, and moves those processes to centralized servers in a data center. Servers in the data centers deliver a "desktop-like" experience with all of the user's applications, stored documents, and user preferences. In short, anytime a person logs into the BPS system, a fresh desktop with all the applications and documents is displayed on the device (desktop, laptop or tablet). The primary technology built into the Data Centers is VMWare's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). During the 2013-2014 school year, VDI will be rolled out to a number of schools.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure is the technology that will allow software applications and information to be accessed from anywhere, anytime, from any device. Devices that can access the VDI environment include but are not limited to: desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet devices, e-Readers, and smart devices.
In the new VDI environment, staff and students will be able to access their information and applications whether they are at home or at school 24/7/365 while using whichever device they choose. This increased level of access allows BPS to deliver the tools staff and students need in order to achieve success.
Traditional computers usually require onsite service when in need of repair. With VDI, maintenance can be done remotely, enabling technicians to fix such issues from a central location.
The VDI environment fully supports BPS's ongoing commitment to reduce energy consumption in the District. In conjunction with the VDI implementation, BPS is replacing many of the tradtional desktop computers with energy saving tablets and Thin Client devices. This initiative will provide daily energy cost savings.
With state mandated computer-based testing beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, and electronic textbooks on the horizon, this places even more emphasis on technology-based instructional solutions.
Buffalo Schools Going Virtual
Buffalo Public Schools Data Center
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Faster Access
High Reliability
Enables use of Mobile Devices
Computer-Based Testing
Flexibility
Positioning for the Future
Green Energy Savings
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Benefits of BPS Data Center