Open Source in Education

Sirius Corporation is the only Government approved IT supplier to the Education Sector that specialises in Open Source software.

We are an official supplier on the Software for Education Institutions framework run by the Government Procurement Service. The Treasury sponsored on-line procurement process for education is designed to open up and simplify buying ICT services and products. All establishments from small schools to Local Authorities are be able access products and services through the Government Procurement Service web portal.

As one of a small number of accredited suppliers, you can safely choose us to provide a complete IT solution. You will also be able to quickly compare prices with other accredited suppliers via the online competitive tendering facility. All basic aspects of 'due dilligence' in procurement are covered in a 'one stop shop'.

We've been put to the test

To become an Accredited Supplier, Becta put us through a rigorous and comprehensive testing process. Successful suppliers had to demonstrate an ability to provide a high level of service.

Successful candidates had to show that they could provide quality and performance, and agreed to carry out all business in the education sector within the terms of the Becta Code of Conduct.

Of those who were shortlisted Sirius was one of twelve who was authorised to sell ICT solutions to the Education Sector under the Becta Accredited ICT services scheme.

Who qualifies for the Becta scheme?

If you are involved with ICT in any of the following, then our Becta accredited services are of vital interest to you:

• Schools: Primary, Middle, Secondary Special Needs
• Colleges: 16-19; Post 19: FE (Further Education), HE (Higher Education)
• Public libraries. Adult or Community education
• Other educational bodies

Our approach

Sirius offers schools the opportunity to expand into the world of high-quality Open Source software with confidence. We have the experience and know-how to enable schools to take advantage of the freedom, flexibility and cost savings that comes from making full use of Open Source software.

We understand that unfamiliarity with the vast range of Open Source software can prove a barrier to its adoption so we provide detailed information and advice to potential clients to help them understand what it can do for educational establishments.

Our advice ranges from detailed, in-class pedagogical discussions to district-wide infrastructural projects. We are able to supply full solutions which include software, licencing, hardware, deployment and support.

What software do we support?

We specialise in supporting the use of Moodle VLE and free Office suites like OpenOffice, installing thin-client networks, and building highly scalable web content filtering and e-mail solutions for regional authorities.

UK Access Management Federation

From July 2008, JISC and BECTA will be supporting the UK Access Management Federation as a Shibboleth-based solution that enables FE, HE and research organisations to access online resources and services. As a member of the UK Access Management Federation, Sirius provides identity management services to organisations such as the North West Learning Learning Grid.