HP Wins Renewed Schools Contract

A major investment to promote new technologies in schools has this week seen the renewal of a contract with a leading technology business.

HP has been awarded the £24m contract by Classroom 2000 (C2k) to continue work originally started in 2004 - and to take it on for two more years.

C2k, the public sector body responsible of the five education and library boards, takes care of the provision of an information and communications technology (ICT) manage services to Northern Ireland schools.

Signing up with HP makes it easier for them to deliver sustainable infrastructure, connectivity and resources which meet strategic targets.

HP will continue to provide to more than 300,000 children in 1,100 schools with a single adaptive infrastructure, email and online Managed Learning Environment, help desk and video conferencing services.

HP will also provide additional services such as the optimization of its Wide Area Network (WAN) to handle the increasing usage of C2k's services

The Western Education and Library Board conceded the contract following an evaluation of HP's involvement in the Ck2 project to offer the Learning NI -a virtual learning environment for pupils.

The Director of C2k, Jimmy Stewart, referring to results of the partnership, said: "C2k service continues to grow and adapt to pupil, teacher and administrator needs as requirements evolve, resulting in a personalized, responsive and interactive experience for all."

He added: "The extension of this contract reflects the expertise and capabilities of HP's delivery team and includes the addition of a range of network efficiencies which will provide value for money for the Department of Education."

Martin Murphy, Managing Director of HP in Ireland, (pictured with Mr Stewart) stated that the partnership allows to develop a world leading adaptive infrastructure for education which to date has delivered impressive results.

Murphy said: "We've seen how schools using C2k video conferencing facilities now collaborate locally and across the globe and how technology is transforming how children are taught and learn, providing an enriched education experience."

"All of these elements delivered by C2k help equip children with the necessary skills and knowhow for a 21st Century digital economy," he concluded.

(CL/BMcC)