Switch to Relution - the example of Koblenz
An indispensable system
A mobile device management system (MDM) is essential for the efficient and centralized management and security of mobile devices in schools, companies and administrations. If such a system does not meet these requirements and also does not guarantee data protection-compliant handling of personal data, a change to the existing MDM system is unavoidable.
IT managers are often faced with the challenge of finding a suitable alternative in a short space of time and seamlessly integrating different user groups and existing devices from numerous manufacturers and operating systems into a new system without risking data loss. The transition period should therefore be used to prepare for a smooth migration.
A decision for Relution
The data center of the city of Koblenz, school authority for 41 schools at a total of 43 locations with over 23,000 active device users, has successfully completed the switch from an existing MDM system to Relution.
The right solution at hand
After considerable effort due to the use of a large American MDM system, which was designed for administrations and also did not meet the requirements of the GDPR, a new solution was required in summer 2023. The company was looking for a system that could easily manage over 7,000 (shared) iPads, almost 700 Apple TVs and 600 Heineking Media Boards (Android Classic) across platforms and enable multi-client capability. After an extensive test phase on a free test environment, Relution was quickly chosen.
"I already got on very well with the test instance. I could see how Relution significantly reduces the amount of work and time required," explains Tobias Kröll, team leader of the MDM team. Another plus point is the direct exchange with the respective contact persons. Kröll emphasizes: "Personal contact is most important to me - especially during the preparation phase for the change of the MDM system, but also in the school environment in general. Teachers want to make knowledge transfer modern and multimedia-based. Technical problems that are not solved quickly lead to great frustration." Kröll adds: "At Relution, the contact persons in sales and support are always available if problems or questions arise".
In addition to the cost-efficient aspects, other advantages of Relution are the school functions, such as the Teacher App, and above all the mandate capability. Thanks to the classroom integration with the LDAP connection, schools can now take on administrative tasks, such as setting up a centrally managed class, which has been a long-held wish.
Preparation - Communication - Relution
A total of two people were responsible for changing the MDM system. Careful planning was required to ensure a smooth process. "Thorough preparation is the most important aspect and takes a lot of time. Although many wanted to make the switch quickly, we attached great importance to migrating each of the 41 schools individually and one after the other in order to have enough time," explains Kröll.
In order to meet the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation, teachers and students had to independently back up their data on the devices. If implemented incorrectly, there was a risk of data loss during the change of the MDM system.
Before the changeover, all students received personalized letters with a QR code and step-by-step instructions on how to log in to the Next Cloud and back up their data. On the day of the switch, instructions were presented via a projector, accompanied by personal support from the City of Koblenz's data center. At a set time, the old MDM system was deleted and the Relution rollout was implemented. Teachers and students were then able to log on to their devices independently and were automatically enrolled in Relution.
"The key factors for a successful switch to Relution are effective communication, thorough preparation and reliable IT systems," says Kröll, explaining the rollout. "The teaching staff were fully prepared and actively contributed to the process. This is essential for a smooth transition. Our experience shows that the switch does not necessarily have to take place on site, but good accessibility is essential," concludes Kröll.
Figures, data, facts
- Relution licenses used in Koblenz: 23,000
- Used in schools: 41
- Operating systems: Android Enterprise, iOS/iPadOS.
