What is a Web-based system?

This means that the system is of a Web-based design and that you only need the internet to access the information. This makes it more flexible than most systems as you do not need to load any software onto your machine to make it work. Another plus is that you don’t have to actually be in school to use it. Many people think that web-based means that the system is hosted on the internet. This is not the case with iSAMS. Most schools run the system within school but we do offer hosting services if required, which is a service that is unique to iSAMS.

What does modular based mean?

iSAMS is a modular designed system which gives more flexibility to our schools. Schools install the core administration system and then choose from 40 other modules that can be installed as and when required. All independent schools are different in their own way so we allow them to build their own system to meet their exact requirements rather that trying to provide a “one system fits all" approach.

Is the system easy to use?

Most staff (both academic and administration) have found the Web-based format of iSAMS extremely easy to use. This has been especially apparent in the Admissions departments and the Director of Studies, who are responsible for curriculum timetabling. Teaching staff especially like the familiar browser format and the ability to get fully functional access to the system from home.

How often you need to do upgrades?

One of the unique features of iSAMS, compared to all other products available, is its ability to upgrade itself. Schools do not have to perform any upgrades to the system themselves - iSAMS introduce many new features into the system each month.

Does it have a timetable module?

iSAMS does have a timetable module and it comes included within the core system as standard. This should not be confused however with a timetable development module. For the development of a timetable, iSAMS work with several products that import directly into iSAMS and then the iSAMS module takes over. 

iSAMS does appear to be quite expensive compared to other systems – why?

When comparing the administration system against other systems iSAMS is very competitive but the reason schools spend more money on an iSAMS system is because we have more products available for them to purchase. Many schools have 6 – 8 suppliers supplying different services and if a school was to combine the cost of running and maintaining these various systems then it would be much more cost effective to buy all of these services from one supplier. 

What is iSAMS software written in?

iSAMS was originally written using Microsoft ASP and is now migrating over to Microsoft ASP.net. All new modules are written using ASP.NET.

Where is our data hosted?

Although iSAMS is a browser or Web-based system the data is actually held within the school using the existing network infrastructure. The iSAMS system only uses a web browser such as, Internet Explorer to access the relevant system and that is why it is described as Web-based. This allows you to access the same data and have full functionality from anywhere in the world as long as the machine has access to the internet.

Do you have to purchase any licenses to use the system?

No, iSAMS is a site license product – we want the school to encourage everyone to use the system. At iSAMS we believe that the licensed methodology would limit the product to a handful of users and therefore hold back it's potential.

Do you need lots of training?

Unlike many systems, iSAMS is very intuitive and only requires a minimal amount of training. A large number of our existing schools have not actually had any training at all.