An ambitious Newcastle IT services firm has won more than £250,000 worth of work to deliver infrastructure, network support and maintenance services to local schools.The contracts will see Science Central-based Calibre Secured Networks Ltd providing technology at Westpark Academy in Darlington, Gosforth’s Newcastle School for Boys, Sandhill View School in Sunderland, and Dubmire School in Houghton-le-Spring.
Once all the work has been completed by the end of the year, the new services will provide thousands of pupils with improved and safer access to smart phone and tablet-based IT services as well as online study aids.
This will enable them to use their own laptops, mobile phones and tablets in school while teaching staff will be able to manage and control access to content to ensure it is appropriate and safe to view.
The installations will be built around advanced secure network technology for the education sector, notably Cisco-owned Meraki wireless technology.
Fast growing Calibre, which has won the work in the face of strong competition from other regional and national suppliers, is seeing strong demand for IT provision, as well as cyber-security solutions, as part of a three year growth strategy targeting the education sector.
The latest success comes as directors Karen and Steve Nelson target a £1 million turnover within the next 12 months on the back of a growing client base and investment in new services and expertise.
Christine Dobson, bursar at Newcastle School for Boys, where Calibre will be undertaking a complete IT infrastructure overhaul, said: “Calibre’s Steve Nelson impressed with his enthusiasm and ability to recommend highly beneficial, on-the-spot solutions.
“He and his team have designed a cost effective solution that not only feels different but is future proof and will improve IT access and learning for both pupils and students when they return for the new academic year.”
Calibre utilises the latest advanced technology and software systems from Cisco and other leading vendors to design and develop integrated and bespoke security focused IT solutions.
Managing director Karen Nelson said the company is benefiting from sustained demand for value engineered solutions, boosting expansion in the education sector.
“Our range of quality services will ensure the schools will be able to meet the education needs of students well into the future.
“The flexible solutions we deliver offer excellent value for money and see us working in partnership with education leadership and management teams to deliver advanced and fully supported technologies at the core of the new systems.”
Calibre provides IT solutions, working across the UK and Europe with clients building long-term strategic relationships to deliver added value solutions, which provide lasting user benefits. This includes services and solutions, which enable schools, local government organisations and companies to maximise their return on investment through the deployment of technology to meet their business challenges. More at www.calibre-secured.net