Since a couple of years SARA has been implementing an ICT infrastructure that can be easily managed remotely. With the start of the CIAO project in 1997, SARA has acquired an interesting position in ICT in education. In 2001 a similar project has started in the Municipality of Almere, the e-BOAT project, which forms a part of the project plan ‘SARA in Almere’.

CIAO
For the CIAO project – Computers In het Amsterdams Onderwijs – SARA is providing an ICT infrastructure. Using the so-called thin-client technology, SARA is capable of managing an extensive infrastructure at relatively low costs. As planned the project was finished and CIAO has become a foundation.

e-BOAT: Elektronisch Basisonderwijs Almere
The successful CIAO project in Amsterdam has been followed in the Municipality of Almere by an educational project with the name e-BOAT, Elektronisch Basisonderwijs Almere. Spring 2001 SARA has connected 13 primary schools and a training center for teachers to an advanced ICT infrastructure that is based on the so-called thin-client concept.

In the meantime the number of connected locations in Almere has almost quadrupled: from 14 locations in 2001 to 52 locatons in 2002. The students of the connected schools in Almere can make use of the common educational software, Internet, and e-mail. In addition to this they can utilize office applications such as word processing and spreadsheet programs.

Remote system management
The management of the ICT infrastructure is being handled remotely and with relatively little effort (so cheaper) by SARA. Other advantages are: low sensitivity for failures and viruses.

If you want to have more information about SARA’s CiO projects, please contact our Marketing & Sales Department, phone 020 592 3000 or send an e-mail to: marketing@sara.nl.