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Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
TEA has developed a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) workbook that provides a customized analysis of the current and potential future cost an LEA incurs managing student information. Completing the workbook assists an LEA to make an informed decision when evaluating the two State-sponsored Student Information Systems (SSIS).
View a TEA demonstration session presentation delivered via TETN September 26th and the 28th. To view a recording of the demonstration session, contact your TETN Site Manager.
Why Use TCO Analysis?
A TCO analysis is a financial estimate of the direct and indirect cost of an automated system, such as a student information system, over a period of time. Direct costs include the purchase of computer hardware, software, network access, services fees, maintenance, depreciation, and disposal. Indirect costs include less tangible items such as LEA staff support, training, and business continuity. Indirect costs are often overlooked and can sometimes add up to more than the direct costs of a system. The TEA's TCO Workbook steps LEA staff through allocating direct and indirect costs of their current SIS and automatically compares these to both of the SSIS's.
Background: The State - sponsored Student Information System (SSIS)
TEA collects a large amount of data concerning Texas students, teachers, schools and school finance. A variety of TEA program areas use the data to measure compliance with state and federal requirements. Many stakeholders outside the agency also view the data, and LEAs use the data for their own evaluation and decision-making activities.
Managing and submitting this data is a significant effort for LEAs. To reduce the financial burden and provide more robust functionality, TEA has entered into agreements with two vendors to offer options for a State - sponsored Student Information System (SSIS) as part of the Texas Student Data System (TSDS) effort. The systems are available to LEAs at an attractive cost, with assured vendor support for state and local needs. The SSIS offers LEAs (on a voluntary basis) a single state-of-the-art SIS solution that can satisfy LEA needs at a reduced cost while simultaneously supporting state reporting needs.
For more information about the SSIS, see http://www.texasstudentdatasystem.org/ssis-advisory/ .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Provides FAQs from LEAs about the TCO purpose and financial objectives.
Related Links
TCO Workbook
TASBO
TCO Survey