Bromcom
Encyclopedia
Bromcom Computers plc is a British technology company. It provides schools and colleges with a Management Information System
and handheld data capture devices to record and track pupil performance. It is the market leader in electronic registration systems for schools.
, as a private company serving business-to-business alongside a sister company Frontline Technology Ltd. These companies were formed following the establishment of a sole proprietary company selling microcomputer
s as they were known at the time.
The initial entry of Bromcom into the education market was through the Education Reform Act 1988
. Schools had been delegated local management and required their own "administration system".
In the early 1990s, EARS (Electronic Attendance Registration System) was created by Bromcom. This initially was an A4 computer folder for teachers to take pupil attendance electronically, replacing the traditional paper register. It caused sensation amongst the educationalists and was covered in the national TV and radio news and media and appeared in BBC TV's Tomorrow's World in January 1994.
In 1996 Bromcom enhanced wNET/Ears to include a number of new features - primarily Electronic GradeBook and the Two Way Link to SIMS Software. In 1998 Bromcom launched a new range of their computer folders with a larger LCD screen and PC-style QWERTY keyboard. The new range includes the Pro-PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), with the capability of being upgraded to the new Mini-LapTop. In the later models, the size was reduced to A5 size with models m-PDA. Bromcom then adapted Wi-Fi as the wireless standard to its full range of products e.g. x-PDA and Pro-xPDA including the v-PDA model with high resolution screen and backlight. The latest model is WebPDA which is browser and Wi-Fi based with colour touch-screen.
In June 2000 Bromcom launched a 'Parent Portal’, MyChildAtSchool.com, to enable pupil parents to access valuable information about their child’s academic performance in real-time via the internet. This allows parents to monitor their child’s attendance, lateness, grades, behaviour and can also see what homework their child has set.
MyChildAtSchool.com was revised in 2009 with a new userface created by graphic designers. The parent portal complies with the Becta requirement for secondary schools to have an online reporting system in place.
In 2000 Bromcom launched the Bromcom e-School adapting e-commerce technology to schools. e-School brings automated online Internet-based data management of pupils across the school, to LEA/EAZs, to parents and to teachers working from home on their PC over the Internet.
By the end of 2000, Bromcom introduced PCMCIA/PC-CARD based the PC-1340 PC Card to enable Windows-based laptops and handhelds to perform registration via the wNET network. The associated ‘WinFolder’ registration software now joined the well-established java-based jNET/jFolder as part of the company’s multi-network software line. The following year saw the arrival of Bromcom’s next generation registration computer folder, the SmartPDA. With an enlarged screen and a full laptop-style keyboard, the SmartPDA is the same size as the MiniPDA and also includes the ability to read contactless Smart Cards. The advantages of such a system have been described by the head teacher at Hollyfield school in Surbiton, Surrey. Mr Forward says: “the system saves a lot of time and stress." And,"It enhances the ICT ethos of the school for pupils to see every teacher using the computer in every lesson."
Bromcom became the UK's first education company to adapt Microsoft .NET Framework
based technology platform in 2001. The Internet technology, Microsoft.NET, enabled easier integration and hence better communication between schools, LEA's and parents.
In 2003, e-Markbook was created, an automatic and electronic tool integrating with the school's existing MIS system. This was closely followed by e-Behaviour, a software module to monitor and track pupil behaviour - both positive and negative via a points system. Once a certain number of points has been achieved, this will initiate a relevant follow-up action such as a certificate, a detention etc. Examples of this system in practice include Rosemary Musker High School. The head teacher (John Lucas) commented that, The rewards system (e-Behaviour) has altered how pupils see themselves almost overnight.
In 2004, Bromcom MIS (Management Information System) developments started and was completed in 2008, based on proven browser platform developed on Microsoft.NET technology since 2001.
Bromcom has been described by Becta as on of the seven largest suppliers of school management information systems.
directly with the schools Management Information Systems (MIS). Since the 1990’s the most widely used MIS in the UK has been Capita’s SIMS
.
In 1999 Capita did not cooperate with Bromcoms request for improved interoperability in order to write back to Capita’s database. In light of this, Bromcom took a complaint to the OFT
, and sought OFT support to secure this cooperation. The OFT agreed with Bromcom that Capita was obliged to cooperate with Bromcom to provide the necessary interoperability. Capita agreed to cooperate, and provided documentation that allowed the means of writing back to Capita’s database which was then a file-sharing database called Clipper.
Capita moved over to a Microsoft SQL database in 2003/4, and hence a new arrangement was required to provide interoperability. Bromcom charged Capita with abuse of its dominant position by its offer of a new interface "at an unreasonable price and on uncompetitive terms", again referring the matter to OFT. The issue was settled through the OFT in May 2003 by Capita providing the required interoperability via a ‘voluntary assurance’.
In 2005, recognizing the serious issues posed by the overwhelming market dominance of SIMS and the lack of competition, Becta
commissioned a report called “Management Information Systems and Value for Money”. Becta established a Schools Interoperability Framework
(based on the model used in the United States) which education products could easily comply with and interoperate. The director of SIMS, however, claimed that the implementation of these standard interfaces would incur a significant cost to their software.
Bromcom Computers Plc has recently brought a case against Capita to the Office of Fair Trading, alleging that Capita has been abusing its dominant position.
Bromcom has stated that Capita’s charges for contracts and dominance in the UK schools software market has led to schools over paying by £75.4 million over a ten year period. The complaint to the OFT follows recommendations made in 2005 by Becta’s School Management Information Systems and Value for Money report, a number of which remain outstanding.
In 2001, Bromcom received The Queen's Award for Enterprise: Innovation. The announcement was made on the occasion of The Queen's 75th birthday. This award was made in recognition of Bromcom’s innovation and sustained development in the education market.
Other awards include:
Management information system
A management information system provides information needed to manage organizations efficiently and effectively. Management information systems involve three primary resources: people, technology, and information. Management information systems are distinct from other information systems in that...
and handheld data capture devices to record and track pupil performance. It is the market leader in electronic registration systems for schools.
History
Bromcom Computers Plc (Bromcom) was formed in 1986 by computer scientist, Ali GuryelAli Guryel
Ali Guryel, founder of Bromcom Computers Plc and Frontline Technology Ltd. Ali Guryel acts as managing director in both of these companies.Ali Guryel obtained masters in Computer Science from Imperial College London....
, as a private company serving business-to-business alongside a sister company Frontline Technology Ltd. These companies were formed following the establishment of a sole proprietary company selling microcomputer
Microcomputer
A microcomputer is a computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit. They are physically small compared to mainframe and minicomputers...
s as they were known at the time.
The initial entry of Bromcom into the education market was through the Education Reform Act 1988
Education Reform Act 1988
The Education Reform Act 1988 is widely regarded as the most important single piece of education legislation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since the 'Butler' Education Act 1944...
. Schools had been delegated local management and required their own "administration system".
In the early 1990s, EARS (Electronic Attendance Registration System) was created by Bromcom. This initially was an A4 computer folder for teachers to take pupil attendance electronically, replacing the traditional paper register. It caused sensation amongst the educationalists and was covered in the national TV and radio news and media and appeared in BBC TV's Tomorrow's World in January 1994.
In 1996 Bromcom enhanced wNET/Ears to include a number of new features - primarily Electronic GradeBook and the Two Way Link to SIMS Software. In 1998 Bromcom launched a new range of their computer folders with a larger LCD screen and PC-style QWERTY keyboard. The new range includes the Pro-PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), with the capability of being upgraded to the new Mini-LapTop. In the later models, the size was reduced to A5 size with models m-PDA. Bromcom then adapted Wi-Fi as the wireless standard to its full range of products e.g. x-PDA and Pro-xPDA including the v-PDA model with high resolution screen and backlight. The latest model is WebPDA which is browser and Wi-Fi based with colour touch-screen.
In June 2000 Bromcom launched a 'Parent Portal’, MyChildAtSchool.com, to enable pupil parents to access valuable information about their child’s academic performance in real-time via the internet. This allows parents to monitor their child’s attendance, lateness, grades, behaviour and can also see what homework their child has set.
MyChildAtSchool.com was revised in 2009 with a new userface created by graphic designers. The parent portal complies with the Becta requirement for secondary schools to have an online reporting system in place.
In 2000 Bromcom launched the Bromcom e-School adapting e-commerce technology to schools. e-School brings automated online Internet-based data management of pupils across the school, to LEA/EAZs, to parents and to teachers working from home on their PC over the Internet.
By the end of 2000, Bromcom introduced PCMCIA/PC-CARD based the PC-1340 PC Card to enable Windows-based laptops and handhelds to perform registration via the wNET network. The associated ‘WinFolder’ registration software now joined the well-established java-based jNET/jFolder as part of the company’s multi-network software line. The following year saw the arrival of Bromcom’s next generation registration computer folder, the SmartPDA. With an enlarged screen and a full laptop-style keyboard, the SmartPDA is the same size as the MiniPDA and also includes the ability to read contactless Smart Cards. The advantages of such a system have been described by the head teacher at Hollyfield school in Surbiton, Surrey. Mr Forward says: “the system saves a lot of time and stress." And,"It enhances the ICT ethos of the school for pupils to see every teacher using the computer in every lesson."
Bromcom became the UK's first education company to adapt Microsoft .NET Framework
.NET Framework
The .NET Framework is a software framework that runs primarily on Microsoft Windows. It includes a large library and supports several programming languages which allows language interoperability...
based technology platform in 2001. The Internet technology, Microsoft.NET, enabled easier integration and hence better communication between schools, LEA's and parents.
In 2003, e-Markbook was created, an automatic and electronic tool integrating with the school's existing MIS system. This was closely followed by e-Behaviour, a software module to monitor and track pupil behaviour - both positive and negative via a points system. Once a certain number of points has been achieved, this will initiate a relevant follow-up action such as a certificate, a detention etc. Examples of this system in practice include Rosemary Musker High School. The head teacher (John Lucas) commented that, The rewards system (e-Behaviour) has altered how pupils see themselves almost overnight.
In 2004, Bromcom MIS (Management Information System) developments started and was completed in 2008, based on proven browser platform developed on Microsoft.NET technology since 2001.
Bromcom has been described by Becta as on of the seven largest suppliers of school management information systems.
Corporate Affairs
Bromcom systems for accessing student’s data require substantial interoperabilityInteroperability
Interoperability is a property referring to the ability of diverse systems and organizations to work together . The term is often used in a technical systems engineering sense, or alternatively in a broad sense, taking into account social, political, and organizational factors that impact system to...
directly with the schools Management Information Systems (MIS). Since the 1990’s the most widely used MIS in the UK has been Capita’s SIMS
SIMS.net
SIMS is a management information system used by more than 21,000 schools in 150 local authorities across the United Kingdom boasting around 80% of the market share.-Overview:...
.
In 1999 Capita did not cooperate with Bromcoms request for improved interoperability in order to write back to Capita’s database. In light of this, Bromcom took a complaint to the OFT
Office of Fair Trading
The Office of Fair Trading is a not-for-profit and non-ministerial government department of the United Kingdom, established by the Fair Trading Act 1973, which enforces both consumer protection and competition law, acting as the UK's economic regulator...
, and sought OFT support to secure this cooperation. The OFT agreed with Bromcom that Capita was obliged to cooperate with Bromcom to provide the necessary interoperability. Capita agreed to cooperate, and provided documentation that allowed the means of writing back to Capita’s database which was then a file-sharing database called Clipper.
Capita moved over to a Microsoft SQL database in 2003/4, and hence a new arrangement was required to provide interoperability. Bromcom charged Capita with abuse of its dominant position by its offer of a new interface "at an unreasonable price and on uncompetitive terms", again referring the matter to OFT. The issue was settled through the OFT in May 2003 by Capita providing the required interoperability via a ‘voluntary assurance’.
In 2005, recognizing the serious issues posed by the overwhelming market dominance of SIMS and the lack of competition, Becta
Becta
Becta was a non-departmental public body ] funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, in the UK It was a charity and a company limited by guarantee. In the post-election spending review in May 2010, it was announced that Becta was to be abolished...
commissioned a report called “Management Information Systems and Value for Money”. Becta established a Schools Interoperability Framework
Schools Interoperability Framework
The Schools Interoperability Framework, Systems Interoperability Framework , or SIF, is a data sharing open specification for academic institutions from kindergarten through twelfth grade...
(based on the model used in the United States) which education products could easily comply with and interoperate. The director of SIMS, however, claimed that the implementation of these standard interfaces would incur a significant cost to their software.
Bromcom Computers Plc has recently brought a case against Capita to the Office of Fair Trading, alleging that Capita has been abusing its dominant position.
Bromcom has stated that Capita’s charges for contracts and dominance in the UK schools software market has led to schools over paying by £75.4 million over a ten year period. The complaint to the OFT follows recommendations made in 2005 by Becta’s School Management Information Systems and Value for Money report, a number of which remain outstanding.
Commendation from the DCSF
The DCSF have commented on Bromcom’s achievements and contribution to the education sector. Stating that, "Frontline Technology Limited and Bromcom Computers Plc – have researched, developed and promoted electronic registration since the early 1990s. They played a part early on in raising the profile of electronic systems for better attendance management and in improving the services available to schools. The Department welcomes innovation and investment in education from commercial suppliers. The Department welcomes Mr Guryel’s and his companies’ restated commitment to helping achieve the Department’s ambitious objectives for children and learners."Awards
In January 1994 the wNET/Ears system won the Gold Award for Educational Technology at the BETT (British Educational Technology and Training) Exhibition at Olympia in London, awarded by the Minister of Education the Rt. Hon Eric Forth.In 2001, Bromcom received The Queen's Award for Enterprise: Innovation. The announcement was made on the occasion of The Queen's 75th birthday. This award was made in recognition of Bromcom’s innovation and sustained development in the education market.
Other awards include:
- 2003 Hot-100 High Growth Business - Dun & Bradstreet (ranking 87)
- 2002 Entrepreneur of the Year - The Times and Ernest & Young (semi finalist)
- 1994 Award for Technological Innovation & design - South Thames Business Award
Video clips
- BBC News - Evelyn School
- BBC Program - Behind the Headlines
- Channel 5 - School Program - Egerton School
- Scotland Today - Greenwood Academy
- BBC South East Newsroom - Highbury Grove School
- BBC News - North West Minister Community School
- BBC News - Social Exclusion Unit
- Wales News - St. John Bright School
- BBC - Tomorrow's World
- SKY News - Priory School
- UTV Life - Corpus Christi College
- BBC News - KARROT initiative project
- HTV News - Barry Comprehensive School
- Bromcom Computers Presents, Part 1
- Bromcom Computers Presents, Part 2
- Bromcom Computers Presents, Part 3
- Bromcom Computers Presents, Part 4
- Bromcom Computers Presents, Part 5
- Bromcom Computers Presents, Part 6
- Bromcom Computers Presents, Part 7
- Bromcom Computers Presents, Part 8
- Bromcom Computers Presents, Part 9
External links
- Capita Business Services Limited and Bromcom Computers plc — Bromcom press release
- Truancy cut by computer revolution — BBC News