To all SIMS customers,
A quick update to this letter on 29th August 2024
You may have read that the CMA has decided to close its investigation into ESS SIMS due to workload. Whilst I’m disappointed that the CMA felt they couldn’t prioritise this case, I wanted to reassure all schools that this makes no difference to the way you migrate to Arbor.
We will continue to offer the Arbor Switching Guarantee to all schools and trusts so that you can migrate using a backup file. Currently, this is the only complete, efficient and tested way to migrate your school data, as it ensures that none of your data is lost in the process. The Arbor Switching Guarantee has now been used by the majority of schools to take any cost and legal risk away when they switch using a database backup, ensuring a full copy of their data can be transferred safely. If other proven methods of moving become viable in the next 12 months we will of course consider them.
Let us know if you have any questions – we’re always here to help. – James Weatherill, CEO at Arbor
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Our original letter from 9th February 2024
You may have heard that SIMS has suddenly announced you can no longer send a database backup file to your new MIS supplier when you want to switch systems. Sending a database backup file has been industry standard practice for the past 10 years, and has been used over 5,000 times by Arbor. Since SIMS suddenly announced this in December we’ve heard many schools feel unable to switch MIS, as they’re unsure about how they can transfer their data safely and efficiently to their new supplier. The CMA is now investigating SIMS’ announcement – you can read more about that here.
At Arbor we believe passionately that switching MIS is a real opportunity to change the way your school works for the better. And to switch successfully you need a complete, efficient, and tested way of transferring all your data across. Switching MIS is even more important than switching your bank account – so it should feel as seamless as that! Currently the only proven way of doing so is via a database backup.
That’s why we’re launching the Arbor Switching Guarantee today:
– Arbor will take legal responsibility when you transfer your school data to us via backup file: The Arbor Switching Guarantee means that you will not carry any risk for transferring your school data to us using a backup file
– Arbor will cover the cost of your MIS license until your SIMS contract ends in March 2025: If you feel locked into a contract with SIMS until March 2025, but want to move sooner, we’ll cover your core Arbor license until your SIMS contract ends. This means you won’t double-pay for your MIS
– Arbor will move your school or trust using our tried, tested, and loved onboarding process: We’ll use our experience of switching over 5,000 schools and 450 MATs to make your switch as successful as possible (see how we do this for primary schools, secondary schools, and trusts)
– If you ever want to leave, Arbor commits to giving you a full and complete backup file. This has always been our commitment to schools, because you should never be blocked from switching by your supplier
Our Switching Guarantee makes it easier than ever to switch MIS, so you don’t have to wait to get the benefits of a cloud MIS like Arbor. If you are curious to see why more schools have chosen to switch to Arbor than all other MIS combined, why not join one of our webinars this term?
No school or trust should feel discouraged from switching because they think it will be too difficult. We want our four commitments under the Arbor Switching Guarantee to give you reassurance, peace of mind, and the freedom to make the best MIS decision for your school. Because it’s just the right thing to do.
James
James Weatherill, CEO at Arbor
Please note: Terms and Conditions apply to the Arbor Switching Guarantee. Please contact us for more information
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