For Wichita Public Schools (Kan.), using technology as a learning tool is no longer an option. It's a necessity.

That's why the district recently approved its technology plan dictating that every place of learning and teaching in each of its more than 100 school campuses must include a Gateway PC networked to the district's central system. With more than 5,400 employees and nearly 50,000 students, Wichita Public Schools is the largest school district in Kansas.

Gateway is providing Wichita Public Schools with several thousand customized desktop and mobile technology solutions, including Gateway(R) 450 series laptops, all-in-one Profile 5s, M275 Tablet PCs, and E-Series desktop products. All of the hardware Gateway provides will have Wichita Public School's custom software "image" pre-installed onto the PCs, as well as asset tags, so IT managers can easily inventory the PCs. In addition, all Gateway notebooks will have a Wichita Public School logo laser engraved on their lids.

Beyond the hardware itself, Gateway also bundled installation and asset recovery services into the rollout for Wichita. Gateway's asset recovery services will allow the district to dispose of its old technology assets in an environmentally friendly and security-conscious manner, rather than letting outdated machines clutter supply closets or valuable classroom space.

Wichita Public Schools began the first phase of the rollout in November 2003, deploying more than 1,800 Gateway computers in the district's middle schools and high schools. The district is now in the process of putting an additional 1,700 PCs throughout its elementary schools to meet the growing demand from teachers, administrators and parents to integrate technology into the curriculum.

Gateway was selected by the district because of its commitment to the long-term success of Wichita Public School's technology vision and the company's extensive technical support and maintenance services. In particular, Wichita Public Schools sought a technology partner to get computers into every classroom and place of learning within the highly dispersed district.

"In Gateway we truly found a partner, not just a hardware vendor," said Greg Rasmussen, executive director of instructional technology for Wichita Public Schools. "We faced the challenge of getting computers in every place of learning throughout the district, but lacked the staff needed to support such a massive implementation. Gateway has delivered unparalleled support every step of the way. From helping us plan our purchasing to managing shipping and inventory, we could not be happier with the rollout."

The district found that providing hands-on technology to each student and teacher fostered a better learning environment. By coupling Gateway technology with the programs Wichita Public Schools had created, teachers can now better make instructional decisions, plan units of practice and monitor student progress. And through the district's eSchool Program, the district is helping home-schooled children access lessons and interact with teachers remotely using Gateway Profile 5 PCs.

"During our first implementation of 1,800 computers in middle and high schools, Gateway got us up-and-running in three weeks, without any lost instructional time," said Rasmussen. "Gateway was with us every step of the way, configuring all of the computers, labeling all the boxes for their intended locations, setting up the computers on site, installing the software and even removing our obsolete hardware."

From high-end servers to market-leading plasma displays to comprehensive services, Gateway delivers whole-office technology solutions, coupled with high-touch service. Serving organizations for more than 15 years, Gateway uses its multi-channel approach to make the purchase, use and support of technology simple. Gateway customers include many of the world's leading organizations, such as the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, the University of Arizona, Harvard University, California Highway Patrol and others. For more information on Gateway Professional solutions, visit http://www.gateway.com/business.

About Gateway
Since its founding in 1985, Gateway (NYSE: GTW) has been a technology and direct-marketing pioneer, using its call centers, web site, direct sales force and retail alliances to build great customer relationships. Gateway offers consumers, businesses and schools a wide range of thin TVs, digital cameras, home networking products, servers, storage and other products, which work together seamlessly with its award-winning line of eMachines and Gateway PCs.

Its products and services received nearly 130 awards and honors last year. With its acquisition of eMachines now complete, Gateway is the third largest PC company in the U.S. and among the top ten worldwide. Visit http://www.gateway.com for more information.

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