Waitakere Adult Literacy found that their early 21^st century technology capability was restricting their ability to meet the demands of their busy tutors and the growing sophistication of their learners and their needs. 

Literacy Waitakere sought advice from an IT ‘person', and they suggested they install a ‘Terminal Server'.

Essentially, a Terminal Server is a server accessed via the web, which enables anyone with authority to access it, to log in from anywhere internet is available.  With a Terminal Server each Literacy Waitakere tutor or staff member would be able to work on their own desktop or from any computer in their building (hot desking), from home, or on a laptop out of town.  It would allow remote access to all Literacy Waitakere documents, templates, e-mails and settings.  It would also enable Literacy Waitakere's IT person to diagnose and solve server problems remotely.  Security of all their data and backups would obviously be an important feature; and this would all be easily taken care of.

If not for the generosity of the Microsoft Software donation programme, namely ‘TechSoup'; the set up of a Terminal Server for Literacy Waitakere would have been little more than a pipe dream.

However, because Literacy Waitakere was able to avail of more than $30,000 worth of software donations, enough for 45 users; the pipe dream became a reality.  This allowed for a profile for every tutor and staff member and one common username for students.

Now with access online, tutors can work from home and away.  They access the necessary software and information over the internet instead of on their computer; so they're not limited by what software is on the computer they are using. 

"We now have a digital work environment that effectively supports the demands of our busy tutors and the growing sophistication of our learners and their needs.  A shortage of office space and computers is also a thing of the past." Jane Gilmour, Manager, Waitakere Adult Literacy.