Parago Software's 10 minute clinic - Middlesbrough School Interview

Tim Roots, director of Parago Software, interviewed Alex Duncan in Middlesbrough, to find out how the Parago Asset Management system has changed both her life as IT Manager and also school life at Green Lane Primary School.

Green Lane Primary School has a school population of over 650 pupils. As IT Manager, Alex Duncan oversees a well equipped computer suite with over 100 computers, 84 teacher and curriculum laptops and 20 desktops.

Middlesbrough Local Authority purchased Parago for primary schools across the county to encourage good practice in all aspects of asset management.

Tim: What were the reasons the local authority gave you for the purchase of Parago?

Alex: Mainly that it is an auditing tool for computers and software. Our network has grown organically and it was important to know what we have and where. The fact that it enabled you to manage all other inventories was also mentioned, such as the PAT testing details, and the licence manager.

Tim: Do you think it was good that the LA steered you towards addressing these issues?

Alex: Yes, very much so. I was spending a massive amount of time on my knees trying to carry out an audit, collating serial numbers and so on. Trying to keep up to date on what software was on our PCs was an impossible task.

Tim: Did you consider Software Asset Management an issue or priority for schools before the LA purchased Parago?

Alex: Yes, but it was proving very difficult and we were only able to collate basic details. Schools have limited time to be able to carry out these duties manually.

Tim: How were you coping before Parago?

Alex: We did an insurance inventory audit once a year, but this did not include an audit of the software on PCs. We kept a file of the software we had purchased but had no real idea if that tallied with what was on the PCs. As soon as the information was collated, we realised that it was out of date! A solution was needed urgently!

Tim: What were your first impressions of Parago?

Alex: It seemed a lot of work to start with when I saw how much information you were able to detail behind the assets. However, when I saw how the Parago Agent had automatically picked up all the details of the PCs and software, I started to realise this was not going to be as difficult as I thought. I liked the user friendly interface, and the detail in the icons for different rooms and assets made it enjoyable to work on. It soon became clear that the initial investment on time would make life so much easier.

Tim: Now that you have had time to work with Parago, what do you think will be the main benefits?

Alex: Time saving and accuracy of information are the two main benefits. When I first saw how much software was on our PCs I was very surprised! I now know what needs licensing, what type of licence it is and when it needs renewing. I can also judge whether titles are needed on certain PCs so that will save our school money in the future. The alert section tells me that day if software has been added to any PC, and there is a lot to be said for having the peace of mind knowing the school is legal. The auditing of our PCs for installed software was a massive task before Parago; it would have been a full time job to do it properly. Now it is self managing!

There are many other advantages such as our PAT Contractor being able to update the records on Parago so all information is in one place. The overall result is access to information you need when you want it. The ability to print accurate reports for budget forecasts is the icing on the cake!

Tim: Do you think LAs should have the resources to provide guidance to schools on general and software asset management?

Alex: Yes. Many primary schools struggle on knowledge and resources on how to carry out best practice on asset management, particularly software. If the local authority had not made me aware of Parago it is unlikely I would have found out. Schools do not have the time to research the market for products such as these. We recently had an FMSiS visit and the auditor was impressed with the reports and access to such comprehensive data.

Tim: Would you look to Becta for this kind of guidance?

Alex: No, I would firstly go to our LA. I would however go to Becta for advice on e-safety and acceptable use policy but I was not aware that software asset management was part of that. If it is something Becta should be advising on then it needs to be made clearer! Parago has made my life a lot easier and schools should be made aware of management tools that save them time and money, particularly when they could be prosecuted for illegal practice on software licensing.

Tim: Thank you very much for your time Alex.