Networking | News

New Hampshire District Upgrades Cloud Capabilities

The Laconia School District in New Hampshire has upgraded its wireless network to better take advantage of its cloud-computing capabilities. According to PowerCloud Systems, which provides the software, it is the first such large-scale deployment in the state of New Hampshire.

• By Michael Hart
• 10/04/11

The Laconia School District (NH) has upgraded its wireless network to better take advantage of its cloud-computing capabilities. According to PowerCloud Systems, which provides the software, it is the first such large-scale deployment in the state of New Hampshire.

The necessary hardware was supplied by Amer Networks and the software by Power Cloud Systems. With the new system, the district's 2,500 students and staff members have access to the internet and private intranet throughout its six schools and administration building.

The district takes advantage of 72 laptops that are rotated throughout the schools via computer carts. At the same time, students are able to access the internet with their own tablets and netbooks.

Laconia School District IT Director Jeff Twombly said, "This cloud-based solution provides us with everything a mid-sized school district needs, from self-configuring setup to real-time alerts and remote management."

The new network also provides "hotspot" access to visitors during evening lectures, conferences, adult education classes, and sports activities. A virtual "front desk" interface allows administrators to manually adjust the connectivity privileges of individual users without disrupting the network. Remote-management functionality through the cloud enables three IT administrators to manage the network from anywhere.

Amer Networks CEO Wai Lee said, "By installing the right technology infrastructure in its schools, Laconia has enhanced teacher instruction and improved the overall learning environment."