Technical ServicesMaking technology work for schools

MGL is the leading, independent provider of technical support services toschools across the Northwest. We have been providing technical support,advice and guidance since 1998 and our team has over 250 years of schoolspecific experience.

As the company has grown MGL has seen technology inschools develop from the introduction of networkedcomputers and basic interactive whiteboards to today’swireless networking and ‘handheld learning’ such as iPads.Over the last decade, MGL has worked in partnership withleading ICT manufacturers to ensure that each school has asolution which is tailored to their particular requirements.Through our skilled technical team we can support allaspects of a school’s network and products includingApple, Microsoft and RM. Alongside the core expertise ofeach member of the technical team, MGL employsspecialist technicians to support specific issues in schoolsincluding wireless, server based networking, SIMS andinternet service provision.

MGL offers fully outsourced Managed Services, a modelthat is increasingly popular within many of our partnersecondary schools. However, we recognise that in someschools the fully outsourced model is not required and so we tailor those elements of technical support that are most appropriate to meet specific technical andfinancial needs.

Why Choose MGL?

www.mglworld.com 0151 473 5975 0161 436 2244

Our partnership with MGL hasbeen of the highest quality.The professionalism andenthusiasm of MGL's staff is arevelation for those of us usedto the normal standard of ICTsupport. This is what school'slike mine need - timely support,reliable products and helpfulideas for moving us forward.

“

“

MGL’s Technical Services includes:

• Regular Technical Visiting Service• Technical Support Helpdesk

(via email, telephone or online)• Emergency Callout Service• Ofsted Support• Network Auditing • Annual Reporting • Hardware Procurement Service• Integration of new technology such as mobile devices• Installation• Project Management• SIMS Support• Internet Service Provision• Audio Visual Management• Print Management• eSafety Training• Data Management• Remote Backup Service• Senior Management Briefings

In order to ensure value for money for our clients and toguarantee that we remain at the forefront of technology inschools, MGL works with a range of partners and providersincluding; Apple, Microsoft, BT, Virgin, NAACE, FujitsuSiemens, Toshiba, Meru, Cisco, DLink, Samsung and SMART.

Our services remove the burden of technical support fromteachers and school leaders, giving them more time to thinkstrategically about embedding technology across all areas ofcurriculum learning as a teaching aid to raise standards ineducation and the achievement of young people.

Do you find yourself in the situation where all you hear from your colleagues isthat the technology isn’t working, and your technician is telling you that theschool needs to spend more money to fix the problem? It’s a common issue thatmany schools face. But what should you spend your IT budget on? Will spendingthe budget on equipment fix your problems?

Our core service offer provides:

• An initial audit and site survey to review the current ICTinfrastructure and suggestions for future developments

• An on-site visit for half a day (approximately 3 hours)once per week or fortnight by a named MGL NetworkTechnician with flexible start times to suit the needs of the school

• Regular and anytime access to MGL seniortechnical/hardware consultants for Infrastructure andequipment procurement advice, visioning, strategy and consideration of future developments. Use of this service is recommended to be at least one visit per term

• Three free reactive callout credits to respond toemergency requirements

• Access to the MGL Technical Support helpdesk – providingtelephone and online support and guidance on all aspectsof ICT issues

• Coordination of all hardware issues on behalf of theschool according to existing warranties

• Ability to provide one-to-one, hands-on training toincrease ICT technical awareness amongst school staff

• Installation and technical support of all curriculumsoftware used by the school

• Recommendations and management of existing antivirussoftware, staff and student access privileges, backup anddisaster recovery procedures as well as advice on dataand internet security

www.mglworld.com 0151 473 5975 0161 436 2244

Technical Visiting Service

There are no simple answers to these questions. MGLworks with each of its partner schools to devise a strategicplan for ICT investment and support its implementation in aphased and controlled manner that the school can afford.This sounds simple enough but what are the steps for eachschool to achieve this?

Collate appropriate information that will allow you to makestrategic decisions. To facilitate this, schools need to workwith a partner who can provide professional advice andguidance so that long term goals are planned for, and thesteps to achieve those goals are in clear and easy stages.This plan should not just be a shopping list of desiredhardware, but a clear directional shift in the way ICT is usedinside (and outside) the school.

Engage all staff in the vision and ensure that the deliveryaspects of the overall plan are provisioned for in terms oftraining and mentoring to ensure it is effectivelyimplemented by the whole school team.

Monitoring and evaluation of the plan to take account ofbudget and technology changes as well as curriculuminitiatives and staff progress is essential to ensure that itcontinues to work in the context of the school.

So how can MGL support this process? We have alwaystaken a partnership approach to technical support. Ourtechnical services team has strong links with the company’scurriculum services team of experienced teachers, todeliver an ICT vision that fully supports the educationaltargets of each school. Our service delivery modelintegrates teaching and technical staff into regional unitswhich focus on specific geographic areas to provide localunderstanding of each school’s aspirations for theirchildren. With an ever increasing demand for bespokesolutions, MGL not only provides technical support but alsodata cabling, power installation, bespoke bench solutions,projector/audio installations, specialist carpets, airconditioning and much more. We pride ourselves on beingable to support the full range of key educationaltechnologies such as Apple, Windows and Linux based systems.

Our Approach

www.mglworld.com 0151 473 5975 0161 436 2244

Dedicated StaffYou will benefit from an MGLnamed technician who willunderstand your school, yourstaff and your needs so thatwe deliver appropriateservices and support at theright time.

There When You Need UsMGL’s Helpdesk is there as afirst port of call for thoseissues that arise when yourtechnician isn’t on site. We take your IT problem andmanage it through to asatisfactory conclusion.

A Holistic ProviderMGL is committed to providing allaspects of a school’s technologyrequirements. From hardwaresolutions to benching, internetservice provision to data cabling,managed printing to SIMS support.MGL project manage the wholeprocess so even the most complexprojects are delivered by a single point of contact.

Bringing the World to YouThe demands of the academic calendar maymean that senior leaders don’t get theopportunity to reflect upon changes anddevelopments that may have an impact(good or bad) upon your school. Throughreview programmes, regular seminars andannual events we work with a range ofpartners to ensure schools are updatedabout technology so that you are able tomake informed decisions.

Value for MoneyOur services aren’t just aimed atensuring a working IT network, butfocus upon getting the maximumvalue for schools. All of our servicescan be tailored to meet schoolbudgets whilst offers such asmanaged print, telephony and audiovisual services seek to improvequality whilst reducing cost.

The Best Solution for YouMGL is independent ofmanufacturers but hasrelationships with most leadingeducation providers. This ensuresthat the solutions we offer usethe most appropriate technologythat is the best ‘fit’ to meet your needs.

Understanding theRequirementsWe undertake an initial audit andsite survey to ensure we developan ICT strategy that is subject toregular review and which considersall aspects of technology; not justinfrastructure but also practice.

We take a supportive approach to helping schools get themost from their technology, ensuring that they can deliveran engaging and enriching curriculum. This starts with uslistening to schools and understanding where they are nowand where they would like to be in terms of technology.

Your School

OurPartner

Track RecordMGL is completely focusedon the education arena,supporting over 700 schoolsthrough a technical servicesteam with over 250 years ofschool experience.

www.mglworld.com 0151 473 5975 0161 436 2244

The service we have received from MGL hasbeen a refreshing change from having to dealwith the local authority. We currently secureour internet services through MGL and, despitethe best efforts of the local authority topersuade us otherwise, we have a service thatmeets our requirements and has beenrelatively problem-free.  Where glitches haveoccurred, the service from MGL has beenprofessional, rapid and effective in resolvingissues. I am pleased that we decided to take thisservice from MGL as it has meant better valuefor money than the local authority option. 

“

“

Hardware Solutions

www.mglworld.com 0151 473 5975 0161 436 2244

“

“

MGL works with leading manufacturers to bring our partner schools thelatest in classroom based technologies from across the globe.

MGL’s Hardware Solutions Team manages all of your hardware supply and installation services from laptops to data cabling, iPads to wireless networks.

Over the years our team has been involved in the implementation of all shapes and sizes of solutions for schools including:

• Wireless Networking

• Interactive Whiteboards

• PCs and Laptops

• Data Cabling and Power

• Hall Projection Systems

• Digital Signage

• Handheld Learning Devices

• 3D Projection Systems

• Visualisers and Document Readers

• Interactive Surfaces

• Benching

Our team will work with you to secure the most appropriatetechnology at the very best price delivered, installed and supported –if required – via a single point of contact.

For more information about how MGL Hardware Solutions canbenefit your school contact us on 0151 473 5975 or 0161 436 2244 or email enquiries@mglworld.com

Wireless

Laptops/NotebooksPC/Server Equipment

Tablet InteractiveTechnologies

Digital Signage

MGL have providedschool with ideas Iwould have onlydreamed of in yearsgone by, these are nowbeing implemented to provide a fantasticlearning opportunityfor the children.

Managed Print SolutionsFew classrooms and school halls are now complete without a fixedprojector and display. Despite this, few of these everyday units are ever cleaned and maintained to ensure their optimal performance.

Furthermore, the cost reduction in projection units andbulbs has not been felt in schools as manufacturersmaintain pricing by bringing to the market more powerfulequipment. MGL has designed a service which enablesschools to make Audio - Visual Equipment a fixed cost inyour school budget.

Working with our Technical Services team, MGL will ensurethat all projectors are cleaned and maintained on a twiceyearly basis, that all bulbs are replaced, new projectors areinstalled to replace obsolete equipment and allinstallations are periodically checked and new installationsare undertaken within one, fixed, annual price.

Key Features

• Regular cleaning and maintenance checks

• Obsolete equipment replaced on a rolling programme

• Used bulbs replaced and securely disposed of

• One fixed price for service and equipment

• Annual report detailing life cycle of all identified AV equipment in school

• Warranty issues managed with manufacturers

Audio Visual SystemsOver the last few years the cost of printing in schools has grown significantly. In many schools printing is often the biggest single variable cost in a school’s budget.MGL offers schools the opportunity to rationalise the cost of printing by auditingequipment, printing processes and the purchase of consumables. As with all of ourservices, we aim to offer a solution which reduces costs while enhancing quality.

www.mglworld.com 0151 473 5975 0161 436 2244

For a single fee MGL provides a Managed Print Solutionwhich:

• Provides and guarantees all printers

• Provides and fits all ink and other printer basedcomponents

• Regularly services, manages and maintains allequipment

As part of this service we are also able to implement printmanagement software which allows different usersdifferent privileges and allows schools to allocateresources to different departments.

MGL’s Managed Print Solutions offer a number of keybenefits for your school:

• Free no obligation audit of current printing servicesand costs

• Managed solutions which assist in cost control andenvironmental impact of printing

• Training and technical support offered by MGL’s staff

• Single point of contact for printing issues

ISP - Primary LinkIn response to changes in the delivery of Broadband and Internet ServiceProvision by most Local Authorities, MGL and its partners have developed anexciting new service for Primary Schools which places you in control of emailand filtration services whilst offering super - fast broadband connections.

The PRIMARY LINK* Service offers:

• Dedicated connection to the Internet providing speedto your school of up to 40Mb

• Unlimited email addresses with offsite hosting, backupand management

• Filtration systems which can be managed both on yourschool site and remotely allowing your schools toprovide or restrict access to certain websites basedupon curriculum requirements

• Free installation

• Free training on the use and management of thefiltration system

The PRIMARY LINK Service has no hidden costs or chargesand is based upon technologies and products usedextensively both in the education and corporate sectors.The aim of the service is to provide a cost effective Internetsolution for Primary Schools which is; SAFE, SECURE,RELIABLE and FLEXIBLE and which also places control backin the hands of schools.

*The service delivery is subject to survey

www.mglworld.com 0151 473 5975 0161 436 2244

Using MGL's services hasbeen one of the bestdecisions we've made,and one of the easiest tochampion. We wereinitially dubious becausethe price was muchlower than others, butMGL has proven to usconsistently that lessexpensive is verydifferent to cheap!

“

“

Email us at info@mglworld.comor visit www.mglworld.comor call 0151 473 5975

Copyright © 2014 Merseygrid Limited. All rights reserved. All trademarks are acknowledged.

MGL LiverpoolFairfield House,Binns Road,Liverpool,L7 9NET: 0151 473 5975F: 0151 473 5976

MGL ManchesterCrossacres Primary School,Crossacres Road,Wythenshawe, Manchester,M22 5ADT: 0161 436 2244F: 0161 436 2344

For more information