Connect with us

Technology

Unified IT in Education: Info-Tech Research Group Releases Guide to Enhancing Academic and Operational Efficiency

Published

2 years ago

on

Info-Tech Research Group’s latest research highlights how educational institutions can streamline their IT operations to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. The global research and advisory firm’s recently published blueprint addresses the complexities of IT unification, emphasizing strategic planning, collaborative decision-making, and tailored implementation for success. By following Info-Tech’s insights, IT leaders in the education sector can overcome unification challenges and better align their IT services with institutional goals.

TORONTO, May 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – With the exponential evolution of educational technologies and increasing pressure to reduce costs, the need for unified IT services in academic institutions is becoming more critical. Fragmented IT infrastructures can lead to inefficiencies, higher costs, and reduced trust in institutional IT capabilities. To address these challenges, Info-Tech Research Group has published a new industry resource, Unify IT in the Education Sector. The firm’s expert insights found in the blueprint will help IT leaders streamline their operations, improve service delivery, and reduce operational costs, ultimately benefiting the institution’s financial health and academic wellbeing.

“IT departments in the education sector are faced with the challenge of providing cost-efficient, effective services while the technologies themselves become more complex and expensive,” says Mark Maby, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. “Many CIOs face the additional challenge that technology services have different providers within the same institution, raising costs and increasing risks.”

As outlined in Info-Tech’s blueprint, the roadblocks to unifying IT in educational institutions often stem from improper planning, which can lead to increased workloads and hesitancy toward redesign among IT leaders. Concerns about losing specialized in-house or localized functions can also hinder unification efforts. However, the research explains that unifying IT is imperative despite these challenges, as it streamlines operations and bolsters financial health and academic wellbeing. By addressing these issues and implementing a cohesive IT strategy, educational institutions can position themselves for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

“A successful unification lies not in the structure but in a shared vision for IT service delivery, underscored by collaborative decision-making,” explains Maby. “Strategic planning and communication are paramount, ensuring that guiding principles align with institutional goals. This approach, emphasizing efficiency and customization, offers a roadmap for institutions navigating a balance between collective efficiency and individual needs.”

The firm’s research stresses the need for IT leaders in the educational sector to effectively communicate the benefits of IT unification to key stakeholders. However, it is common for some stakeholders to have concerns that IT unification could affect the organization’s ability to make independent decisions regarding its IT infrastructure. To alleviate these concerns, Info-Tech recommends that IT leaders tailor implementation plans to align with the specific goals, needs, and services of their institutions.

In the Unify IT in the Education Sector blueprint, Info-Tech highlights four important steps for leaders to take for successful IT unification in academic institutions:

Establish Mandate: Obtaining buy-in from key stakeholders is essential before proceeding with IT unification. Without their support, the project can be undermined before it even starts.

Describe Current State: Assess the current state of IT services using the institutional strategy. The objective of unifying IT goes beyond simple cost savings; it should also support the institution’s overall educational and academic mission.

Determine Future State: Consider both economies of scope and scale. For example, eeconomies of scope provide benefits when different services share an underlying service, like security or technical architecture. These benefits are as important as economies of scale when deciding which services to centralize and which to keep distributed.

Plan Roadmap: Focus on a shared mode of governance that can facilitate IT unification even while some services remain distributed and decentralized.

Info-Tech’s latest  blueprint notes that IT unification does not necessarily mean complete centralization. While centralization of all IT may work for larger educational institutions, it may not be a viable approach for smaller colleges where individual needs are crucial. The firm explains that adopting shared services can achieve the benefits of unification without sacrificing the unique requirements of different departments. This flexible approach allows educational institutions to enhance efficiency and collaboration while maintaining the autonomy needed to meet diverse stakeholder needs, ultimately fostering a more cohesive and effective IT environment.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Mark Maby, an expert in the educational sector, and to access the complete Unify IT in the Education Sector blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

Info-Tech LIVE 2024
Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group’s annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This premier event offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unified-it-in-education-info-tech-research-group-releases-guide-to-enhancing-academic-and-operational-efficiency-302156200.html

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

Published

1 hour ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-reports-results-of-series-s-and-t-preferred-share-conversions-302913268.html

SOURCE BCE Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3m-announces-collaboration-with-gseo-to-advance-expanded-beam-optical-manufacturing-and-development-302913170.html

SOURCE 3M Company

Continue Reading

Technology

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-vicknair-personal-injury-lawyers-announces-second-annual-operation-fur-ever-home-pet-adoption-event-at-lafreniere-park-302913183.html

SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Continue Reading

Trending