Affordable Computing for Developing-country Schools:
An overview of total cost implications for effective technology sales

Speaker: Brendan Smith, Senior Consultant,
               Vital Wave Consulting

Date: Thursday, September 25, 2008
Time: 8:00 - 9:00 AM Pacific Time
Format: This interactive session will be held via teleconference with materials and dial-in details delivered to registered attendees prior to the event.
To register: RSVP with name, title, company, and phone number to events@vitalwaveconsulting.com.

Increasingly, educational decision-makers in emerging markets are being asked to make important decisions about Information Technology infrastructure and policies. Providing these officials with research on educational outcomes related to technology, and accurate costs associated with various devices, components and software platforms can positively affect sales growth in this important segment. In this interactive teleconference, participants will hear conclusions from original research conducted by Vital Wave Consulting on the following:

• Key indicators that demonstrate improved academic outcomes, national economic competitiveness and increased economic investments resulting from education-related technology investments
• The total cost of technology ownership, including recurrent and “hidden” costs such as teacher training, support, and replacement
• The largest costs associated with technology ownership
• Differential costs when ultra-low-cost computers and Linux software are introduced
• The role of IT ecosystems, product maturity, and expertise in large-scale technology implementations

By understanding the cost implications of technology investment decisions, IT managers and field sales representatives are better equipped to work with education decision-makers in emerging markets.