Top Of The Class Technology For Manchester School Lostock College

A secondary school in Trafford, Manchester is taking IT security seriously by introducing an EndPoint Security system implemented by technology company Business Computing and Network Services (BCNS) Ltd.

Lostock College, a specialist school for the performing arts, is installing the system to open USB ports to students to facilitate portability of the students work but to restrict file types and maintain security.

The school’s students, aged from 11 to 16, will be issued with USB memory sticks at Easter. GFI EndPointSecurity is the software that allows network administrators to actively manage user access and log activity, thus preventing data leaks and malicious activity.

Network Manager Veronica Doherty says: “One of the key concerns with portable storage methods is security.

We wanted our students to make best use of the technology available but we didn’t want them to have it without control. BCNS found the software best suited to our needs.”

With a mixed IT environment including both NetWare and Windows, Lostock College has worked with Rodney Freeland of Devon-based BCNS for more than eight years.

The company fully supports the school’s Novell Netware and Windows 2003 and 2008 operating systems.

Veronica says: “Rodney is fantastic – I couldn’t have done my job without his help.”

BCNS has also provided a number of other software solutions for the school, including a Terminal Services solution which enabled the continued use of older desktop PCs.

The older desktop PCs were taking around 5 minutes to login, thus delaying students in the classroom, implementing a terminal server solution has reduced login time to seconds.

Veronica says: “Implementing this meant that instead of spending around £20,000 to replace 50 computers, it cost us just £5,000.”

She adds: “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend BCNS – they’re reliable, up to date with current solutions, easy to speak to and quick to respond, no matter how technical the question.”