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Maplewood Enterprise allows the centralization of data based upon a Microsoft SQL Server database. In a session at the Maplewood conference last November, a plan was outlined to guide a group of boards through the deployment of Maplewood Enterprise. By working as a group, the conversion is proving to be efficient for the boards and for Maplewood. The completion date is set for August 8, 2005. The plan was refined as a result of the comments made at the conference and was distributed to a number of interested boards. There are quite a few boards who have started the process with us.
Many boards will prefer Maplewood Enterprise to benefit from the advantages of a central SQL Server database. If deployed within a fast wide-area network, all applications come from a single source and are maintained centrally, which simplifies maintenance. Because the system is fully ODBC compliant, third party reporting tools are applicable for trained users. The transfer of data to other applications, such as library and transportation systems, can be done centrally without copying the current data to the board office. Since the data is completely centralized, there is a single record for each student in the board. This eliminates the need to correlate a student’s data from multiple distributed school databases. Centralization also allows a single definition of many tables to ensure consistency of data throughout the board.
Microsoft Terminal Services
optionally allows Maplewood Enterprise to be used as a fully web-enabled system
on a browser. However, whether deployed in a web-enabled environment or as a
Windows system, all Maplewood applications retain their familiar Maplewood
appearance and functionality, recognized as the most user-friendly and
functional user interface in the industry. Therefore there is no additional
training needed for the end-users already familiar with the system.
Centralized data also allows a simple deployment of the Maplewood Web Portal. Presently this application is accessible by administrators, teachers, students, and parents. Teachers find entering attendance and achievement records a very simple process using the Maplewood Web Portal. It allows them to work with live data any time, at school or at home. Not only can students view their own records, but they can also enter their course choices for the following year. Parents can view the records of their own children which increases the much needed ongoing communication between the home and school.
Both Clusters and RADAR (Real-time Administrative Data Alerts and Reports) function through Maplewood Enterprise. Locating students who can benefit from a common education strategy is easier through Clusters and RADAR monitors those critical numbers without the constant attention of secretaries and administrators.
Microsoft offers reduced costs for SQL Server for educational institutions. There is no additional cost for the Maplewood software, including Clusters, RADAR, and the Maplewood Web Portal. By working with boards as a group and taking advantage of all efficiencies of internet contact, Maplewood is able to offer the support required to deploy Maplewood Enterprise without further support costs.
Over the years, individual schools have maintained their data independently. Maplewood Enterprise provides the opportunity for board-wide standardization. Maplewood has developed software tools to reduce this task to its simplest form.
Maplewood will continue to support our traditional school based systems. We expect, however, more and more boards will choose to deploy Maplewood Enterprise to take advantage of its benefits.
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