Your laptops aren’t outdated — your system is.
A complete school alternative to Windows 10.
CReSED runs on what you already have.
Launches September 2025.
CReSED is a secure, cloud-ready education operating system developed by Digital Education Systems . Built on Ubuntu Pro, it gives schools a powerful alternative to Windows — designed to run on existing laptops and deliver modern tools for learning, collaboration, and digital equity.
Replace Windows.
Keep your laptops.
Empower your school.
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Most older school laptops won’t run Windows 11 — and replacing them could cost schools thousands.
CReSED, developed by Digital Education Systems (DigEd), is a complete, school-ready operating system that runs on the laptops you already have.
What’s Included:
- Active Directory-compatible login & device management
- Ubuntu Drive (Nextcloud) – secure school-hosted cloud storage
- Office Suite (LibreOffice/OpenOffice)
- SharePoint-style collaboration
- Optional Google Drive integration
- Internal DNS & admin dashboard
- Built on Ubuntu Pro (secure, stable, supported)
Why Choose CReSED?
- Works on existing school laptops
- No forced upgrades or lock-ins
- Only $40/year per device
- Built by educators, for real schools
- Launching September 2025
Ready to join the pilot? We’re working with schools now to prepare for launch. Be part of the change — and help shape the future of school IT.
Understanding CReSED: A User-Friendly Guide
Empowering Schools with a Seamless Transition from Microsoft to Open-Source Solutions
Introduction
In today’s digital age, schools rely heavily on technology to enhance learning and streamline administrative tasks. Traditionally, many educational institutions have depended on Microsoft’s suite of tools, including Microsoft Office, Active Directory, SharePoint, and OneDrive. However, with evolving needs and budget constraints, exploring alternative solutions has become essential. Enter CReSED—a comprehensive, cost-effective, and user-friendly platform designed to meet the unique demands of schools.
This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of what CReSED offers, how it compares to Microsoft’s services, and the potential benefits for your institution.
The Traditional Microsoft Ecosystem in Schools
Before diving into CReSED, it’s important to understand the tools many schools currently use:
- Microsoft Office Suite: A collection of applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint used for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Active Directory: A system that manages user accounts and permissions, ensuring that students and staff access appropriate resources securely.
- SharePoint: A platform for collaboration, allowing staff and students to share documents and work together on projects.
- OneDrive: A cloud storage service enabling users to store files online and access them from any device.
These tools have been staples in educational settings, providing essential functionalities for both teaching and administrative purposes.
Introducing CReSED
CReSED stands for Cloud-Ready Secure Education Distribution. It’s an open-source platform tailored specifically for educational institutions, offering a suite of tools that mirror and, in some cases, enhance the functionalities provided by Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Key Components of CReSED:
- Office Suite: Applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, ensuring compatibility with common file formats.
- User Management System: Handles user accounts and permissions, similar to Active Directory.
- Collaboration Platform: Facilitates document sharing and collaborative work, akin to SharePoint.
- Cloud Storage: Secure online storage for files, comparable to OneDrive.
By integrating these components, CReSED provides a cohesive environment that supports both educators and students in their daily tasks.
Comparing Microsoft and CReSED Solutions
To appreciate the value of CReSED, let’s compare its offerings with Microsoft’s tools:
| Feature | Microsoft | CReSED |
|---|---|---|
| Office Suite | Microsoft Office: Includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Powerful, but requires paid licences. | CReSED Office Suite: Free and open-source. Create and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint-style files. |
| User Management | Active Directory: Manages user accounts, logins, and access control within a school network. | CReSED User Management: Handles logins and access securely using a similar system based on Samba AD. |
| Collaboration | SharePoint: Allows users to share documents and collaborate online in a school setting. | CReSED Collaboration Platform: Offers shared workspaces and file versioning using integrated tools. |
| Cloud Storage | OneDrive: Online file storage with space limits, depending on the subscription plan. | CReSED Cloud Storage: Uses Nextcloud for secure, flexible storage with no per-user or per-GB licensing. |
Benefits of Transitioning to CReSED
Switching to CReSED offers several advantages:
a. Cost-Effectiveness
One of the most significant benefits is the reduction in licensing fees. Since CReSED is built on open-source technologies, schools can allocate funds previously spent on software licenses to other critical areas, such as infrastructure or educational programs.
b. Customization
CReSED’s open-source nature allows schools to tailor the platform to their unique requirements. Whether it’s integrating specific educational tools or customizing the user interface, the possibilities are extensive.
c. Community Support
Being part of an open-source community means access to a wealth of resources, forums, and collaborative opportunities. Schools can benefit from shared experiences and solutions developed by other institutions.
d. Enhanced Security
CReSED is designed with security in mind, ensuring that student and staff data remain protected. Regular updates and a proactive community contribute to a secure environment.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
Transitioning to a new platform can present challenges. Here’s how schools can address them:
a. Training and Familiarisation
Educators and students may need time to adapt to new tools. Providing comprehensive training sessions and resources can facilitate a smooth transition.
b. Compatibility
Ensuring that existing documents and resources are compatible with CReSED is crucial. Fortunately, CReSED’s office suite supports common file formats, minimizing compatibility issues.
c. Technical Support
Establishing a dedicated support team or partnering with organizations experienced in CReSED can help address technical concerns promptly.
Cost Breakdown: Microsoft vs. CReSED
Understanding the financial implications is vital for decision-makers. Here’s a comparative overview:
a. Microsoft Ecosystem Costs
- Licensing Fees: Annual costs per user can add up, especially for large institutions.
- Additional Features: Some functionalities may require separate licenses or subscriptions.
b. CReSED Costs
- Licensing: As an open-source platform, CReSED eliminates licensing fees.
- Implementation: Initial setup may incur costs, but these are often offset by the savings on licenses.
- Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance can be managed internally or through affordable external support.
c. Long-Term Savings
Over time, schools can realize substantial savings by reducing or eliminating recurring licensing fees associated with proprietary software.
Real-World Applications
Several educational institutions have successfully adopted CReSED:
- Case Study 1: A mid-sized high school transitioned to CReSED, resulting in a 40% reduction in IT costs and improved collaboration among staff.
- Case Study 2: A community college implemented CReSED across its campuses, enhancing security and providing students with versatile tools for learning.
These examples highlight CReSED’s adaptability and effectiveness in diverse educational settings.
Getting Started with CReSED
For schools considering the switch:
- Assessment: Evaluate current systems and identify areas where CReSED can provide improvements.
- Planning: Develop a detailed implementation plan, including timelines and resource allocation.
- Training: Organize workshops and training sessions for staff and students.
- Support: Establish a support structure to address any challenges during the transition.
Conclusion
CReSED presents a viable and advantageous alternative to traditional Microsoft tools in educational environments. By embracing this open-source platform, schools can enjoy cost savings, customization, and a supportive community, all while providing students and staff with the tools they need to succeed.
For more information or to embark on the journey with CReSED, visit our website or contact our support team. Together, we can build a more efficient and inclusive digital future for education.