David M Williams
Thursday, 16 April 2009 18:54
Business IT -
Technology
Page 2 of 3
Initially, DET had not balked at my request. Given how long it had taken to speak to a real live media rep I wasn’t under any delusions I was going to be successful, but I did expect something more than I received.
In fact, I had to call and e-mail again a week later to get a response. Despite my initial success in lodging my request it seemed to have just been ignored.
Nevertheless, I finally received a reply from Liam Thorpe, Media Officer for the NSW Department of Education and Training.
However, I’m not quite sure just who Liam was replying to. It didn’t appear to be my question.
He said, “
NSW DET manages one of the most extensive and complex information technology environments in the world. Operating systems and application software for teaching and learning are selected to account for their fitness to purpose, affordability and manageability in DET’s network. On this occasion NSW DET determined that a Microsoft-based solution best met its needs, particularly with respect to multimedia applications. A range of operating systems and applications was offered to meet the NSW DET requirement, including solutions based on Apple, Linux and Microsoft platforms. Each offering was methodically assessed through the different phases of the procurement process, with solutions based on Linux and Windows finally being considered.”
No vendor names. No specifications. No costings.
Mind you, what Liam did say was interesting for various reasons. For one, it implies Apple put forth a proposal but only Microsoft and Linux options were shortlisted. I am not sure what Apple would think about being told a Microsoft-based solution was regarded as having more multimedia utility. Although I can’t see Apple coming in at under $500. Perhaps if only Steve Jobs released the Apple netbook people kept expecting.
I want more.
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