Start with your school day
Before choosing an edition, think about where staff work, which computers they share and how reliable the internet connection is. Those practical details help decide where school records should live.
SMS supports a school server, an Academium-hosted portal, or both together, subject to the chosen plan. The modules stay familiar; the setup changes where records are held and how computers connect.
A server at school
One computer runs the Server Edition and holds school records. Staff using Client Edition connect across the local network. The server needs to be running, but everyday work on that network does not require the internet.
This setup gives the school a clear place to manage its records, updates and backup drives. Plan for the computer, network, power and the person responsible for maintaining them. Staff using their own computers can use a compatible Individual Edition connection.
A hosted portal
With Academium Cloud, the school’s supported records are hosted online. Staff use Individual Edition, which can retain a local copy for offline work and send supported changes when a connection returns.
An offline copy is useful, but it is still a copy of school information on a computer. Give staff individual accounts, review device access and keep those computers protected.
The two together
A combined SMS setup uses the school server as the main store and the portal as a second copy. Staff can work through the local server at school and use the portal connection away from school.
Sync depends on the relevant connection being available. If your school also connects Surepass, review the integration requirements for the chosen setup rather than assuming every feature uses the same connection.
Choose the setup, then the edition
Write down who needs access, where they work, which computer will run a server if needed, and how backups will be kept. Compare that list with the available plans and editions before installing.