understanding tco in education

Understanding the Total Cost of Ownership of Education Technology

Educators, parents, and government leaders alike recognize the importance of providing powerful learning technologies to all students. As school districtswork to broaden their students access to the Internet and local services, theyrealize that the initial purchase price of computers and networking infrastruc-tures represents only a portion of the equipments total cost of ownership(TCO) over its usable lifetime. Yet they might have difficulty quantifying the long-term cost differences among different vendors solutions, such as theamount of technical support each system requires. Without that information, its impossible for school districts to make truly informed purchase decisions.

Evaluating TCOThe Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), a national education associa-tion that promotes the use of telecommunications and the Internet to improvelearning at the K12 level, is spearheading a project to help district and schoolpersonnel become better informed about TCO. Called Taking TCO to theClassroom, the project includes a checklist to help districts evaluate how TCO savvy they are, and how they can achieve the best return on investment(ROI) for their computer purchases and network installations.

Apples TCO-savvy productsTCO-savvy school districts are constantly seekingand findingways to reducethe lifetime costs of their education technology. Whether your district is bring-ing more computers onto your local network, retrofitting buildings for LAN andInternet access, getting ready to replace older computers, looking for the besteducational software, exploring ways to reduce support costs, or searching for apersonal computer solution that offers excellent technology integration training,Apple solutions can provide significant advantages in helping your district getthe best value from your technology investments.

CoSN TCO checklistThe CoSN TCO checklist covers sixareas in which educators can evaluatethe lifetime costs of computer sys-tems and networking infrastructures:

Professional Development

Replacement

Retrofitting

Software

Connectivity

Support

Understanding the Total Cost of Ownership of Education Technology 2

CoSN recommendationsTCO-savvy districts realize that inadequate staff training leads to underutilization of computers and a loss of return on the districts technology investment, so theybudget for the necessary instruction on new hardware and software.

The Apple solutionNot surprisingly, teachers who have more technology training are apt to feel betterprepared to integrate technology into their classroom lessons.1 And schools usingmostly Mac systems are more likely to offer computer training to their teachers thanschools with mostly Windows computers.2

Thats because Macintosh computers have a much shorter learning curve than othersystems. And teachers appreciate what they can do with a Mac after they learn touse it. In an IDC study, they rated Macintosh higher in the ease of developing cur-riculum, teaching students, and conducting research on the Internet.3

To help all district personnel learn how to use Mac systems even more effectively,Apple offers a range of professional development products and services.

Relevant Apple products Apple Learning Professional DevelopmentTo support education in effective tech-

nology integration, and to produce new teachers with great technology integrationskills, Apple Learning Development Training offers workshops in four categories:Fundamentals, Technology Integration, Technology Leadership, and TechnologyIntegration Consulting.

Apple Learning InterchangeAn online resource, the Apple Learning Interchangeis the place for educators interested in professional development, creating and sharing curriculum resources, and building a worldwide community of people committed to finding better ways to teach with technology.

Apple Learning SeriesThe Apple Learning Series is a collection of kits that containsoftware along with student projects that have been correlated to selected state andnational standards. Each kit comes with installation and getting started information,step-by-step instructions, and extensive online resources.

ProfessionalDevelopment

Schools using mostly

Mac systems are more

likely to offer computer

training to their

teachers than

schools with mostly

Windows computers.


CoSN recommendationsTCO-savvy districts reduce hardware costs by budgeting to replace computers on a regular schedule (usually every five years, whether leased or purchased), and by buying computers with as much processing power and memory as possible atthe time of purchase so that schools dont find themselves forced to make majorupgrades before the next scheduled replacement.

The Apple solutionApple computers offer state-of-the-art processor power and ample amounts of mem-ory and hard disk capacity. They also come standard with many high-end featuresthat are costly extras on other systems, including 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, wirelessnetworking support, and in some models, DVD drives and desktop video capability.

Because of those features, Macintosh systems are ready to provide superior perfor-mance and return on investment for years to come, permitting them to work pro-ductively for a longer time before upgrading becomes necessary. IDC has found that Macintosh systems are used by schools for an average of 5.4 years, comparedwith other PCs that are typically replaced after only 4.5 years. Even before they arereplaced, Macintosh systems go longer between upgrades.3

Relevant Apple products iMac and iMac DViMac is the worlds best computer for the Internet. And with

digital video hardware and software built right in, iMac DV models have everythingteachers and students need to play educational moviesor make their own.

iBookiBook lets students learn and faculty teach anywhere. It was born to travel,with a long-life lithium-ion battery, and designed to withstand life in a backpack.

PowerBookTeachers will find the PowerBook to be the mobile classroom, mobilemovie studio, and mobile office that sets the standard for portable computing.

Power Mac G4Apples most powerful system ever gives schools the performancethey need to develop multimedia content, tackle complex math and science applications, and manage administrative databases.

ReplacementMacintosh systems are

used by schools for an

average of 5.4 years,

compared with other

PCs that are typically

replaced after only

4.5 years.3


CoSN recommendationsTCO-savvy districts minimize the costs of installing network cabling and modifyingelectrical, heating, and cooling systems by making these improvements whenschools are being built or renovated. These districts also reduce retrofitting, wiring,and asbestos-removal costs by determining which areas of their schools can take advantage of wireless networks.

The Apple solutionCoSN notes that school districts can avoid some of the costs of retrofitting olderbuildings for computer networking if they are able to take advantage of wireless networking solutions. Wireless networks can also easily extend current networks to portable classrooms.4

All of the latest Apple computers are ready to take advantage of the most cost-effective and easiest-to-use wireless networking solution for schools: Apples AirPort networking technology. AirPort enables teachers and students to accessdepartmental services, Internet sites, and other network resources up to 150 feetfrom an AirPort Base Station. It also supports high-speed file sharing betweenAirPort-enabled computers. Yet despite its power and versatility, AirPort can be set up in a matter of minutes.

You can use AirPort to extend the reach of your existing Ethernet segments or toexpand the network into locations where Ethernet drops arent feasible, such asportable classrooms or areas that would require expensive asbestos removal toinstall cables. AirPort can also provide network connectivity for portable computerlabs that are moved from room to room as needed.

Relevant Apple products All AirPort-ready Apple computers and AirPortWith AirPort, educators and stu-

dents who use desktop and portable computers now have the freedom to accessthe Internet from anywhere in the classroom. AirPort enables every connected educator and student to simultaneously view different websites, exchange files, oraccess emailall without cables, additional phone lines, or complicated networkinghardware.

RetrofittingWireless networks

can easily extend

current networks to

portable classrooms.


CoSN recommendationsTCO-savvy districts control software costs by minimizing the number of differentsoftware titles used (while being careful not to compromise instructional needs),and by upgrading each software title at the same time throughout the entire district.

The Apple solutionMacintosh applications are available to meet a broad spectrum of instructional and productivity needs. In a 1999 research study that identified the most popularsoftware used in U.S. schools, 97 percent of the titles were available for theMacintosh platform.5

No wonder that schools using mostly Macintosh systems report higher levels of satis-faction than those using mostly other PCs, and that schools using only Macintoshreport the highest overall satisfaction. The Macintosh advantage was especially evi-dent with multimedia and Internet applications; it was rated the easiest to upgradeto these important programs.3

Mac systems are distinguished by their ability to be updated without disruption. The easy-to-use Mac OS requires less support, retraining, and overall costs whencomputers are updated to a new version, and applications rarely need updating towork properly with the new operating system. In contrast, the Gartner Group pre-dicts that migrating from Windows 95, 98, or NT to Windows 2000 will be a costlyproposition, yet will provide little return on investment over the systems useful life cycle. Gartner estimates that this migration will increase PC costs by $2,000 to $3,000 per user.6

Relevant Apple products Mac OS 9Mac OS 9 makes any Mac a more powerful educational tool and more

Internet friendly than ever before. Its packed with software that educators and stu-dents cant do without, including Sherlock, a powerful tool for fast, easy searches on the web or a local network. Mac OS 9 users also get access to iTools, a wealth of helpful resources on Apples website.

AppleWorksA leading software choice of educators and students, AppleWorkscombines six powerful and easy-to-use applicationsword processing, page layout,painting, spreadsheet, database, and presentationsinto one package.

iMovieDesktop Movies are a powerful medium for teaching and learning. WithiMovie, teachers can inspire and captivate students by easily integrating desktopvideo into their curricula.

Apple Learning SeriesThe Apple Learning Series is a collection of kits that containsoftware along with student projects that have been correlated to selected state andnational standards. Each kit comes with installation and getting started information,step-by-step instructions, and extensive online resources.

SoftwareThe Macintosh advantage

was especially evident

with multimedia and

Internet applications;

it was rated the easiest

to upgrade to these

important programs.3


CoSN recommendationsTCO-savvy districts save on long-term network infrastructure costs by installingenough bandwidth at the beginning to handle future as well as current needs.

The Apple solutionApple products are designed to take maximum advantage of high-speed networks.All of our current computer models come with built-in 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, and can be equipped with AirPort wireless networking, which runs at up to 11megabits per second. We also offer powerful, scalable network servers that are basedon industry standards and are therefore compatible in multiplatform environments.

Macintosh systems are the easiest computers to set up, use, and administer on the Internet and school or district networks. No wonder that schools using mostlyMacintosh systems are more likely to have their computers connected to a local area network and to have greater access to the Internet than schools using mostlyWindows PCs.1 Schools with Macintosh systems also have greater access to advancedmultimedia peripherals for content development, and their educators rate Macintoshsystems easier to upgrade to vital multimedia and Internet applications.3

Relevant Apple products Mac OS 9The most Internet-savvy release yet of the Mac operating system makes

the Mac even more powerful as an education tool.

All current Apple computersThe 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and connectivity soft-ware built into Apple systems that ship with AirPort make it easy to share files, set up curriculum databases, send email, manage student records, and connect to andpublish on the Internet.

AirPortAirPort allows multiple computers to share a single Internet connectionand enjoy high-speed file sharingall wirelessly. An AirPort wireless network can also easily extend current networks to portable classrooms and other hard-to-reachareas, reducing your building and renovation costs.

Macintosh Server G4Fast, scalable, and easy to set up and administer, theMacintosh Server G4 provides a powerful yet simple way to communicate andexchange information. And with AppleShare IP software, you can install any combi-nation of the integrated file, print, mail, and web servers as needed. The MacintoshServer G4 with Mac OS X Server is an extremely high-performance and versatileInternet and workgroup server, delivering the power of UNIX with the simplicity of Macintosh. And Macintosh Manager provides network administrators with a cen-tralized method of securing Mac OS workstations, controls user software access, and provides a consistent, personalized experience for users.

iToolsAn exciting new collection of Internet-based services just for Mac users,iTools includes iDisk, the easy way to share files over the Internet; KidSafe, whichgives children access to more than 55,000 educator-approved websites while blocking inappropriate materials; and iReview, the place to share opinions on the best websites.

ConnectivitySchools using mostly

Macintosh systems are

more likely to have their

computers connected to

a local area network

and to have greater

access to the Internet.2


CoSN recommendationsTCO-savvy districts recognize that having a sufficient number of full-time support personnel reduces overall support costs by keeping teachers, administrators, and students working productively and eliminating the need to pull teachers off theirassigned jobs to fix computers.

The Apple solutionIn a U.S. Department of Education study, 58 percent of the principals interviewedreported that insufficient technical support presented a moderate to great barrier to the effective use of technology.7 The overall superior ease of use of Macintosh systems greatly reduces support needs and therefore support costs.

In an IDC study, Macintosh was rated higher than other personal computers in theease of installing hardware and software and in the ease and speed of training tech-nical staff. Schools using Macintosh systems reported that their installation costs were 30 to 50 percent lower than those of other schools because they were morelikely to use internal staff. The Mac systems also experienced fewer downtime inci-dents; when problems did occur, the Mac systems could be recovered faster thanother PCs. IDC concludes that the ease of use of the Macintosh platform increasestechnical support staff s efficiency and indirectly lowers TCO.3

To help schools deploy Apple systems efficiently and keep them running smoothly,Apple offers both technical training and ongoing support programs.

Relevant Apple productsApple offers a wide range of support options, including built-in assistance, WorldWide Web sites, documentation, complimentary support, fee-based professional support, and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

Warranty coverageAll Apple hardware products come with a one-year limited warranty.

AppleCare Protection Plan for EducationFor comprehensive service and supportcoverage, choose the new AppleCare Protection Plan that provides three years (fromhardware purchase date) of Apple-certified repairs, telephone support, powerfuldiagnostic tools, and simplified access to Apples 24-hour-a-day Internet support.

Apple ServiceLarge districts may also want to explore becoming a Self-ServicingAccount, which allows you to service your computers directly.

SupportThe ease of use of the

Macintosh platform

increases support

staff efficiency and

lowers TCO.3

ConclusionWith this information, youll be able to make truly informed decisions about yourinvestment in education technology. Youll also understand why so many TCO-savvyschool districts told Quality Education Data that Apple is the number one brandtheyre considering for upcoming computer purchases.8

1 New Teachers & Technology, May 1999, Market Data Retrieval/Education Market Research.

2 K12 School and District Survey, Dec. 1998, Field Research Corp.

3 Understanding the Total Cost and Value of Integrating Technology in Schools, Oct. 1997, International Data Corp.

4 Taking TCO to the Classroom, June 1999, Consortium of School Networking.

5 Best School Software: Most Frequently Used Products by Grade and Subject, Oct. 1999, Education Market Research.

6 Getting to Windows 2000 Professional: A Costly Migration, Sept. 1999, Gartner Group Strategic Planning.

7 1998 Teacher Survey, U.S. Department of Education.

8 K12 Technology Purchasing Forecast, 19992000, Quality Education Data.

For More Information

For a complete listing of Apple products,more product details, information on build-to-order systems, and up-to-date pricing,visit www.apple.com/education or call 800-800-2775.

For more information about the CoSNTaking TCO to the Classroom initiative,visit www.cosn.org/tco.

Apple1 Infinite LoopCupertino, CA 95014408-996-1010www.apple.com

2000 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleWorks, Mac, Macintosh, and PowerBook are trademarks of AppleComputer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. AirPort, iBook, iDisk, iMac, iMovie, iReview, iTools, Power Mac, and Sherlock are trademarks of AppleComputer, Inc. AppleCare is a service mark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. UNIX is a registered trademark in the UnitedStates and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company, Ltd. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks oftheir respective companies. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.April 2000 L05282A

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