Six-headed Hydra saver for schools
By admin
In Greek mythology it was a multi-headed monster to be feared – but the modern-day Hydra could now prove to be a major money-saving technological boon to schools, universities and other organisations across Wales.
The six ‘headed’ Hydra computer system being marketed by Cardiff-based business specialists Algebra Office Technologies allows six different users to be run off a single computer.
Designed to be especially useful to the education sector, the system means six pupils can work independently of each other on their own PC in the class – powered and managed by a ‘mother’ computer.
In fact, the system allows for two separate classes of pupils to work independently off the same ‘mother’ computer at the same time.
Not only will the Hydra save schools hundreds of pounds on buying in IT equipment, but it also provides teaching staff with far greater control – giving them the ability to see at a glance exactly what all six pupils are doing on their computers at any one time.
The system also allows teachers to remotely access the Hydra from home to continue working when they have left school for the day.
And its green credentials fit the bill, too, with all six PCs running off the one computer – fed via a low-energy power supply. A smartstrip facility also means that once the ‘mother’ computer is turned off, the power supply automatically ‘kills’ the power to the six other PCs, so none of them are wasting energy by remaining on standby mode.
Founded in 1992 and based in Trade Street, Cardiff, Algebra is the only company licensed to supply and install the Hydra in Wales, with education authorities across the country already showing a strong interest in the system.
Children at Glan-Yr-Afon Primary in Cardiff, are the first pupils in Wales to make use of the Hydra. Three systems have been installed at the school in Browning Close, Llanrumney, where it is already proving to be a money and energy saver – as well as a very useful educational aid.
Glan-Yr-Afon Head teacher Mr Gareth Davies said: “Like every school we are looking to make the best of our budgets, and long-term the Hydra certainly looks as if it will prove to be very good value for money.
“The system makes a great deal of sense for us in several ways. It saves us money on equipment, software and licences. It saves us energy, which improves our Green Footprint. But is also provides us with real benefits educationally, too.
“With three Hydra systems it means we have the equivalent of 18 individual computers, and with a bit of sharing that means we can have a whole class of 30 working online at the same time, which is a real advantage to us.”
Algebra director Andrew Marsh said: “Already there is a great deal of interest in the Hydra from schools, universities and other organisations across Wales, which stand to make big savings from using the system.
“Up until now, a school would need six computers in a classroom for six pupils to use at any one time. That means buying six computers, six monitors, six keyboards and six copies of all the software that’s needed, at a cost of at least £3,500.
“The Hydra provides all that – plus major savings on power costs – for just over £2,000.”
Tags: Algebra, Algebra Office Technologies, Cardiff, cost-savings, Hydra computer system, schools, South Wales
