Journal Review 3

Going on A Desktop Diet
By Michael St. Jean

In times like these, and in an economy like this, districts and state boards are feeling the pressures of budget cuts, and fund restrictions. So it is no surprise that certain areas are coming up with innovative ways to save money. The small 16 school district of Pawtucket, Rhode Island is no exception. The district was trapped in a cyclical cage of desktop system upgrades, and replacements the schools just could no afford. In addition, the computers barely fit into the small elementary schools, and stretched the limits of the aging schools’ electrical capabilities. The technology was becoming increasingly dated, as curriculum was progressing, and the district trying to keep up with the evolving demands.

Next came the solution, to get rid of all the desktop computers. As an alternative, the district buying and building terminal servers, and converting the desktops into thin clients. Terminal servers are those that host applications, and then communicate remotely with systems of computers and other devices. The converted desktops became specialized clients that exchange mouse clicks, keyboard strokes and video with the terminal servers. This exchange creates a local experience and desktop experience for several users at a time.

The change was not a swift one; but rather one that happened through phases overtime. Over six years ago the process began with just a few computer trials. After success was proven the district needed to buy a supply of outdated desktops to convert. The justification in the purchase was that allow there would be an immediate cost of $90,000, in the long run the schools would be saving upwards of $800,000 to $1,000,000. Today the district deploys 1,800 thin clients, supported by 40 terminal servers. The desktop diet has definitely proved successful in terms of dropping extra money along the way.



Quesion 1: How could this be implemented in our own school district?
Answer 1: The article gave a fascinating play by play as how to effectively being the desktop diet in your own schools. I think that with proper planning, and a dedicated team the desktop diet could be a fundsaver in our own hometowns. Perhaps not in higher level education schools since multiple desktops are integral to both teachers and students. But the diet would most likely be effective in elementary school settings.

Question 2: About how much savings couldbe estimated for a major California school district?
Answer 2: While I cannot project an exact number, seeing as how nearly one million was saved on such a small district of only 9,000 students in Rhode Island, I imagine the savings in one of our school districts to be even higher.