Microsoft is looking to take full advantage of existing Windows infrastructure in schools and universities. ZDNet spoke with two education technology chiefs who went with Dell Windows 8 tablets and rolled them out to students. The overall response has been positive, especially from the IT departments who can easily integrate the tablets into existing networks and systems.
It's stated both iOS and Android require new, separate management systems when added to existing infrastructure, while Windows tablets are able to fit right in. Since the tablets running Microsoft's OS (not RT, full Windows 8) are essentially PCs, they can be managed with System Center or other popular network management tools.
Not only that, but you're looking at full compatibility with existing software, including Microsoft Office. Much of the software used by the schools don't work on the iPad, just another bonus of having a full Windows experience.
The Clear Creek Independent School District near Houston is currently carrying out a rollout of Dell Latitude 10 tablets. Every student in the grade 4-12 district will receive one of the devices. They expect to have the deployment completed in 2 years. It's interesting to see OEMs getting involved with these rollouts and not Microsoft with its own Surface hardware.
Joining the above school is Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, which is firing out Latitude 10s to incoming fresmen and faculty. The plan is to deliver the hardware to all 2700 students and 500 faculty and staff in a timely fashion. It's worth noting that students don't get accessories or cases, but the university has an on-campus store where they stock said products for purchase.
We've covered numerous reports and announcements of companies and institutions looking at Microsoft's Windows 8 for their next investment. Tablets are being deployed from multiple OEM partners, as well as Microsoft, ensuring the ecosystem develops evenly.
Source: ZDNet; thanks, rye88, for the heads up!
