The program requires each school that applies for the discount to complete a detailed online form describing its technology needs. Suppliers are then allowed to download those forms, putting them in a position to better understand each school's needs and suggest appropriate technologies to fill them. As a result, companies get new opportunities to serve schools. Fast Fact Pleased to meet you Application process encourages innovation. Resellers gain access to new geographic markets.
Program receives full funding for year three.
Bryan Woodcock, vice president of CommNet Plus, a large reseller based in Indianapolis, has been pursuing the education market via E-rate for the last year. His company's primary focus is on secure data access products and services, but E-rate is allowing it to expand beyond those core offerings. We're now checking the Web site on a daily basis for these opportunities, whereas before we had to go out and knock on doors. After that, a school is prohibited from making any buying decisions for 28 days. That lag means schools and vendors have time to contemplate their options and determine what solution might work best for the school.