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Friday
Mar102017

The impending network apocalypse 

We need to shut down our data center for two weekdays this summer in order to do the wiring needed to put in a new generator.

Yes, it is the apocalypse.

Our computer network, of course, will not be available throughout the district. Nor will our VOIP phones. Or fire alarm and security systems. Or access to any system that requires verification such as our student information system or learning management system. All our Chromebooks which must be authenticated before use, regardless of network being used, will be bricks. Transportation and food service databases will not be accessible.

What has quickly become apparent is that school is in session ALL SUMMER LONG. PD and school-end record keeping start the week after school ends and kids start coming back the Wednesday of that  week for all sorts of summer programs. There is not a single two-day period in June, July, or August when someone in this district is not impacted by the loss of the network.

So in a short 20 years, our networks have moved from being curiosities that people had to be persuaded to use to mission-critical resources without which schools cannot function.

I have to say this sort of snuck up on me.

And I wonder what else is? (See Dilbert below.)

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Reader Comments (2)

Hi,
This technical issue will impact the people severely as all the people are seriously addicted to their mobile phones. I hope it doesnot afffect any serious office work.
Thanks

March 20, 2017 | Unregistered CommenterSarah Taylor

Hi Sarah,

Luckily, cellphones are not impacted. Although it looks like in the future we may have cell phone repeaters that use our internal network!

Doug

March 20, 2017 | Registered CommenterDoug Johnson

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