Fischer Middle School, IBM and Wyse Technology Enhance Student Performance Through Desktop Cloud Technology

ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced it is partnering with Wyse Technology, the global leader in cloud client computing, to deliver an IBM Smart Business Desktop Cloud solution to promote the universal access to technology for Fischer Middle School students in Aurora, IL. This collaborative program, launched six months ago, includes Lrn2innovate, an education infrastructure provider and the Dunham Fund, a private philanthropic foundation.

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Through the solution implemented by IBM, teachers at the school can more effectively work with the different levels of learning in the classroom. Students with a higher level of learning can progress to additional learning activities, allowing teachers to focus more time and attention on those students who require additional assistance.  

The Indian Prairie School District and Fischer Middle School have created a technology laboratory designed to deliver a pilot math program. It has been shown that by targeting middle school age students with technology based curriculum delivery graduation rates are greatly improved. The project is anticipated to be the first of many in a series to take place throughout the U.S.

IBM's leadership in service transformation along with Global Alliance partner Wyse's broad portfolio of thin-computing hardware and software know-how has created a cloud computing infrastructure that leverages advancements in services, enables innovation, and directly addresses critical educational needs. To support U.S. education initiatives, IBM and Wyse will continue to invest in this area and promote their solution to educational institutions.

"Our solutions Alliance with IBM coupled with Wyse-lead advances in cloud client computing technology are giving businesses and institutions like Fischer Middle School new options to deliver computing technology that's secure, lower in cost, easier to manage, and green," said Jeff McNaught, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer for Wyse. "Education is a special focus for Wyse, and today 10 out of the top 15 universities worldwide use Wyse to make technology a better tool for administrators, teachers, and students."

The laboratory houses Wyse thin clients powered by a desktop image streamed by IBM System x server hardware and serves as many as 150 students daily. This open infrastructure has already addressed achievement gaps and helped teachers differentiate instruction for their students. Furthermore, this IBM Desktop Cloud solution has proven to be "an innovative approach to keep our students in school and engaged in learning during a time of state and financial crisis as well as social and economic needs that schools are expected to meet," said Cristina Salvatierra Lowe, Chief Executive Officer of Lrn2innovate.

By delivering solutions on demand, Fischer Middle School is able to substantially increase the availability of needed educational computing services and applications to students and educators.  

"Thirty years ago, I was spearheading IBM's PC efforts and now I am a part of the desktop cloud revolution working with technology partners IBM and Wyse," said William C. Lowe, the author of a book No Nonsense Innovation, which projects the impact that desktop cloud technology will have on sectors dependent on personal computers. "Working closely in this collaborative effort it is clear that virtual and Cloud computing along with the advent of other open content material is an efficient, economical, and viable way to help K-12 schools navigate rough waters."

Cloud and virtual computing can give end-users easy access to the critical information they need remotely, from various devices, including thin clients. IBM helps organizations benefit from this model with desktop services that are designed to enable end-users that have network-attached PCs and thin clients to access applications and data through a centrally managed computing environment. The model can easily scale to other classrooms, schools, grades or administrative facilities in a matter of days as needed and architected.

"Today more than ever, schools need an affordable, reliable and efficient way to deploy and manage desktop infrastructures," said Rich Esposito, IBM Vice President of Workplace Services, IT Strategy Services. "A cloud-based or virtual delivery model allows schools and their Superintendents to disperse new curriculum to schools simultaneously and seamlessly. Together IBM and Wyse are improving desktop capabilities and cutting energy and IT costs with the use of IBM's Smart Business Desktop Cloud solution."

About Wyse Technology

Wyse Technology is the global leader in cloud client computing, leveraging its industry-leading thin and zero client computing-based desktop virtualization software, hardware and services.  Cloud Client Computing is the ultimate client computing solution for our time.  It replaces the outdated computing model of the unsecure, unreliable, un-green and expensive PC.  It delivers the security, reliability, user experience with the lowest energy usage and total cost of ownership.  It simply connects all the dots:  Thin and zero client computing, unified communications, desktop virtualization and the web for users to reach the clouds – in a private, public, government or hybrid cloud.  It is software.  It is hardware.  It is services.  It is in business.  It is at home.  It is on the go.  It is freedom – so users can focus on what is important.  Wyse partners with industry-leading IT vendors, including, Cisco, Citrix, CSC, IBM, Microsoft, and VMware.  Wyse also partners with globally-recognized distribution and service partners along with its award-winning partner programs to service any customer, anywhere and anytime, in the world.  Wyse is headquartered in San Jose, California, U.S.A., with offices worldwide.

For more information, visit the Wyse website at http://www.wyse.com or call 1-800-GET-WYSE.

About Indian Prairie School District 204

Indian Prairie School District supports 33 schools, 3 high schools and 7 middle schools and has a mission to prepare all students in an ever-changing world through comprehensive programs in collaboration with families and communities. This project was a collaborative effort of funding and support by technology leaders, community leaders and the leadership at District 204. For more information about District 204, visit http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org.

About IBM

For more information, visit www.ibm.com/services; and www.ibm.com/education

SOURCE IBM Corporation