February 2002 — ConnectEd
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Districts Utilize Uplink to Keep Their Technological Edge
The Blue Springs School District in Missouri has a habit of finding and latching onto new technologies. As a known leader in educational technology, the Blue Springs School District was one of the first districts in the country to design and implement a WAN when frame relay became a reality. In recent years, Blue Springs was the first organization, school or business to fully implement Windows 2000 from client to server, districtwide.
To stay on this cutting edge of technology, the district is currently implementing UplinkOS and the Uplink Network, both from GeKL Technologies LLC. Districts across the country were introduced to this technology in September 2001, but a select group of schools, including Blue Springs, have been using the system since October 2000. The districts rely on the Uplink Network to provide services to their staff, students, parents and patrons. There are many facets to the UplinkOS infrastructure and the Uplink Network. A quick examination of the two will demonstrate how this new technology can be utilized.
The UplinkOS Infrastructure
Functional and secure. Much of the power of the Uplink Network is found within the UplinkOS technology. It is a unique system that allows districts of any size to have their own secure enterprise-network system with built-in accessibility for users from anywhere, without additional hardware, systems software, software development or staff. UplinkOS is an innovative Web-based operating system that empowers district users with functionality and system control, made possible without a certified engineer to set up or maintain the system. A server or network operating system is not required to use UplinkOS, just a workstation or an Internet appliance, because it provides the user with a comprehensive set of easy-to-use and affordable tools. In addition, all the customization is under the direction of the district and its appointed PowerUser(s), or technical staff, who are responsible for the parameters within which each user can operate.
Internet Accessibility. UplinkOS securely provides all applications through an Internet connection at standard 56K speeds, but has had positive results at 26K as well. It was created using rigid standards to ensure that users utilize the fastest online experience possible. "The UplinkOS infrastructure allows our staff to easily define who has access to which school(s) and their information, and also which applications each group of staff has. However, this access is not limited to just staff. We are also able to allow students, parents, patrons - literally anyone in the community - controlled access to information," says Roger Adamson, deputy superintendent of business affairs for Blue Springs School District. "This is done through a Web site provided by UplinkOS for our entire district and schools. No matter how you look at it, this type of scalability, flexibility and control has never been possible for us before, and it is all done without the need for costly certified engineers. Our entire enterprise setup was done by GeKL Technologies in one week. We estimate that in one year, the system will have saved us $350,000 by eliminating our need for recurring licenses," he says.
