Companies are assisted by Lrn2innovate and the Dunham Fund in a pioneering cloud computing infrastructure project to promote the development of 21^s-century skills. 

IBM has announced partnering with cloud-computing leader Wyse Technology to deliver an IBM Smart Business Desktop Cloud solution that promotes access to technology for Fischer Middle School students in Aurora, IL. This collaborative program, launched six months ago, includes Lrn2innovate, an education infrastructure provider, and the Dunham Fund, a private philanthropic foundation.

Through the IBM implemented solution, school teachers can more effectively work with the different levels of student achievement in the classroom. More gifted students can progress to additional learning activities while students who require extra help can now get it.

The Indian Prairie School District and Fischer Middle School have created a technology laboratory designed to deliver a pilot math program. By targeting middle-school-age students with technology-based curricula, delivery graduation rates are greatly improved, studies show. The desktop cloud project is expected to be the first of many in a series throughout the U.S.

IBM's leadership in service transformation, along with Global Alliance partner Wyse—with its portfolio of thin-computing hardware and software know-how—has resulted in an effective desktop cloud computing infrastructure. It leverages advancements in services, enables innovation, and directly addresses critical education needs. To support U.S. education initiatives, IBM and Wyse will continue to invest in this area and promote their solution to educational institutions.

"Our solutions alliance with IBM, coupled with Wyse-led advances in cloud-client-computing technology, are giving businesses and institutions like Fischer Middle School new options to deliver computing technology that's secure, lower in cost, easier to manage, and green," said Jeff McNaught, chief marketing and strategy officer at Wyse. "Education is a special focus for Wyse, and today 10 out of the top 15 universities worldwide use Wyse to make technology a better tool for administrators, teachers, and students," he said.

The Illinois student laboratory houses Wyse thin clients powered by a desktop image streamed from IBM System x servers. The solution serves up to 150 students daily. This open infrastructure has already helped address student achievement gaps and given teachers new tools to work effectively with different levels of accomplishment. Furthermore, the IBM Desktop Cloud solution has proven to be "an innovative approach to keep our students in school and engaged in learning during a time of state and financial crisis as well as social and economic needs that schools are expected to meet," said Cristina Salvatierra Lowe, chief executive officer of Lrn2innovate.

By delivering solutions on demand, Fischer Middle School is able to substantially increase the availability of needed educational computing services and applications to students and educators, says IBM.

"Thirty years ago, I was spearheading IBM's PC efforts, and now I am a part of the desktop cloud revolution working with technology partners IBM and Wyse," said William C. Lowe, author of No Nonsense Innovation, a book that projects the impact of desktop cloud technology on groups dependent upon personal computers. "Working closely in this collaborative effort, it is clear that virtual and cloud computing, along with the advent of other open-content material, is an efficient, economical, and viable way to help K-12 schools navigate rough waters," Lowe says.

Cloud and virtual computing can give users easy remote access to critical information they need from various devices, including thin clients. IBM has shown it can help organizations benefit from this model. The company provides desktop services designed to enable users who have network-attached PCs and thin clients access applications and data through a centrally managed computing environment. The model, appropriately architected, easily can scale to other classrooms, schools, grades, or administrative facilities in a matter of days.

"Today more than ever, schools need an affordable, reliable and efficient way to deploy and manage desktop infrastructures," says Rich Esposito, IBM vice president of Workplace Services, IT Strategy Services. "A cloud-based, or virtual delivery model, allows schools and their superintendents to disperse new curriculum to schools simultaneously and seamlessly. Together, IBM and Wyse are improving desktop capabilities and cutting energy and IT costs with the use of IBM's Smart Business Desktop Cloud solution," he says.

About Wyse Technology

Wyse Technology is a global leader in cloud client computing, leveraging its industry-leading thin and zero client computing-based desktop virtualization software, hardware, and services. Wyse partners with IT vendors, including Cisco, Citrix, CSC, IBM, Microsoft, and VMware. It also partners with globally-recognized distribution and service partners, supports award-winning partner programs, and strives to service customers worldwide. . The company has its headquarters in San Jose, California, and offices worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.wyse.com or call 1-800-GET-WYSE (800-438-9993).

About Indian Prairie School District 204

Indian Prairie School District supports 33 schools, three high schools, and seven middle schools. It has a mission to prepare all students through comprehensive programs with families and communities to adapt to an ever-changing world. The desktop cloud computing project is a collaborative effort of funding and support by technology and community leaders with those from District 204. For more information about District 204, visit http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org.

About IBM

For more information about IBM education solutions, visit www.ibm.com/services; and www.ibm.com/education.