The NCTE have released the procurement procedures on short throw projectors. This spells an end to companies who were offering alternatives to the chosen six projectors on the list. The companies selected are: DCB, Dell, Image Supply Systems, Imex Instruments, Meritec and Promethean.
The projectors are: 3M SCP716, EPSON EB-410We, NEC NP610S EDU, Sanyo WXE46, Hitachi ED-A100 and the Sanyo PRM-20. They range in price for a fully installed sytem from €1,100 to €1,580, which I guess isn’t a complete rip-off. However, it does worry me again that the companies involved will get unfair advantage over smaller businesses. I must say I was a little surprised not to see a projector with in-built IWB capabilities. I think it’s probably a good thing though.
If I were to have a big gripe about this, and I’m sure companies selling interactive whiteboards will to, is that if they have a load of projectors that are not on this list, they are useless to them as schools can no longer buy them. Presumably, these companies will simply have to change projectors and adjust their prices accordingly. This could mean an increase in the selling price of IWBs, which is a pity.
Just for balance, I have to agree with the NCTE that there is no longer the option of buying long-throw projectors anymore. Previously, I had seen little difference in their use but since prices have come down so much, I think it’s worth the extra couple of hundred euros to invest in this technology.
0 thoughts on “Projector Procurement now on”
At Mediascene we have spent some limited time speaking to the people in the NCTE, The Dept. of Education and the Dept. of Finance. Without exception all of these people were courteous and sympathetic but of no help to a smaller company trying to keep some of the business built up over years of service. We lost a valuable order of 25 computers and notebooks that a school had placed with us but was later told was not permitted and was told to cancel.
The Framework was a concept brought in by the Department of Finance where large contracts were the normal and most offices are serviced by an I.T. professional.
Schools, and more specifically Primary schools, are a different entity. Who will be there to answer the non specific query for the schools if the already struggling small enterprise is driven to the wall? They are certainly not helped by the government departments who are holding an auction where only the most powerful could compete in order to partake?
I agree that companies should be “vetted” for quality of service and then a list published on a regular basis of suitable suppliers but what has taken place in the computer, laptop, printer and projector market is destroying many small business throughout Ireland in times where these businesses should be supported and nurtured.
This framework ensures that schools normally get the lowest price. Often much of the money goes elsewhere. For example one company on the framework manufactures their computers in Poland and the company is based in America. In these very difficult days local PC suppliers lose out completed to this grant money. These local suppliers may have give a great service to local schools over many years but our government has dictated that the school must look elsewhere. Yes, they will save a small amount per pc, printer or projector but at what expense? How much does it cost when a family with a number of children is no longer able to stay in business but must look to the state to provide?
I see a note from Simon saying that short Throw projectors start at eur1100 including installation. We can install a good BenQ Short Throw Projector from €980 including VAT and all materials but we are now being told we are not permitted to because it was not judged to be part of the framework. Does this make sense??
Sadly, it doesn’t make sense Graham. It’s a shame because our priorities shouldn’t be buying hardware. This is something that schools could easily outsource.