Our next #FinnemoreFireside of this term is with Simon Freeman, Managing Director of IRIS Education (at IRIS Software Group). IRIS Education offers a flexible, evolving education management system including well-known products in the world of school management software such as IRIS Financials and IRIS Ed:gen.

• What is IRIS’ strategic vision in edtech? Simon explains that IRIS is continuously adapting its strategy to meet the evolving needs of schools, especially focusing on integrated, cloud-based solutions to support school operations and provide actionable insights from data.
• How IRIS has adapted through acquisition and innovation: Over the past three years, IRIS has expanded its portfolio by acquiring products like iSAMS and Every, allowing it to provide an integrated solution for independent and state schools.
• Why IRIS prioritises school choice and data integration: Simon talks about their commitment to providing flexible, choice-based solutions, ensuring that data from various school operations (HR, finance, student attendance) is easily integrated and accessible across systems.
• Customer feedback as a driver for growth: Feedback from school leaders has driven recent innovations, including a unique forecasting integration, as IRIS aims to align its technology with the daily realities and specific needs of schools.
• Their plans for global expansion and market adaptation: Initially strong in the UK, IRIS now has a growing global footprint. With over 50% of iSAMS revenue now coming from international markets, they’re adapting their products to support various curriculums, including plans for US curriculum support.
• IRIS commitment to open data and integration: IRIS prioritises open APIs and data accessibility, reinforcing their support for schools’ data ownership and enabling seamless integration with third-party systems when needed.
• Their use of AI and automation: IRIS is exploring AI, primarily to improve data analysis and automate time-consuming administrative tasks, enabling schools to draw insights and take informed actions more quickly.
• Working in partnership and long-term support: Simon discusses the importance of a strong vendor partnership, highlighting their long-term commitment to helping schools navigate technological shifts and budget constraints, ensuring stability and support for their customers’ evolving needs.