Dell launches IT solution to connect classrooms

NEW DELHI: PC maker Dell on Wednesday launched a new range of solutions targeted at the education sector to help schools hold classes using the latest technology.

Through its Connected Classroom solution, Dell would sell its hardware, services, software and training to schools and other educational institutions in the country.

"Education vertical is going to be a key area of focus for Dell in the current financial year. Through this solution, we are increasingly focusing on providing mobility and the education sector will look at strengthening that position," Dell India General Manager (Public Division) Neeraj Gupta told reporters here.

Dell focuses on verticals like education, defence, healthcare and government through its public division, which was created in November, 2009.

The division accounts for one-fourth of the company's global revenues.

"The Connected Classroom is Dell's education technology blueprint, mainly for the primary and middle school learning environment," he said.

The Connected Classroom solution is currently available in the US, UK, Mexico, Brazil, China, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

The cost of the solution would start at about Rs 3 lakh per classroom for a 24-student set-up.

The company is in discussion with schools, both private and public, for deployment.

The company estimates there are currently about 1.3 million schools in India, with ICT penetration of approximately 14 per cent.