Stoneware

Image by MichaelMarlatt via Flickr

Several colleagues of mine have been researching and learning about a product called Stoneware. Stoneware is a web-based OS where organizations can build custom "clouds" so that their users can access applications and browse the web using any device - including third party devices.

As I have heard them discuss this concept more and more, I begin to think if this is a solution that would fit our school district. We have already invested in a wireless solution that allows our users to bring personal devices and connect to a guest network. Unfortunately our current barrier with that is that it only provides access to the web and not applications.

Stoneware is a Web 2.0 technology that provides users with a virtual web desktop, or Web OS, which delivers all of their assigned applications and services regardless of their location (school, home or the beach).

To read more about Stoneware visit this link.

I see the value that a solution like this could provide to our users. It would allow each user to bring personal devices and still have access to the resources of a district owned device. It would also allow those same users to access those resources outside of the school network, thus extending learning, sharing, communication and collaboration to where it belongs: everywhere.

My plan is to continue to evaluate this tool and see if it is the right fit. Have you used or tested this application? What are your thoughts on a Web OS and its value in K-12?

JDS | CIO