Wireless Generation refresher

This blog discussed purchase of Wireless Generation (WiGen) products some time ago but the breaking news that New York state has cancelled its contract with WiGen reminds me that we in Montgomery County, who paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to WiGen, with unaccounted-for results, if any, could use a refresher, so here goes.

From Dumbo NYC, November 24th, 2010 here,

"Dumbo's Wireless Generation Acquired by News Corp for $360M"

"News Corporation yesterday announced an agreement to acquire 90% of Wireless Generation, a privately-held Dumbo-based education technology company for approximately $360 million in cash. News Corp. chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch said in a statement that Wireless Generation is at the forefront of individualized, technology-based learning. As such, it is poised to revolutionize public education for a whole new generation of students. Founders of Wireless Generation, Greg Gunn and Larry Berger established the business in 2000 and has 400 employees (one of Dumbo’s largest employer) and delivers mobile and Web software, data systems and professional services designed to empower teachers."

and from the New York Daily News, here:

Rupert Murdoch given $27M no-bid contract from state Department of Education

BY RACHEL MONAHAN
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Sunday, July 31, 2011

"More than a dozen private firms wanted to work on a project like the one the state Education Department is set to award to a Rupert Murdoch-owned company in a $27 million no-bid contract.

Agency officials have cited "an extremely challenging time line" in their decision to partner with News Corp. subsidiary Wireless Generation to build a data system of student test scores and other information.

The Daily News has learned that the agency has explored the project for at least two years - proof, critics say, state officials had ample time to competitively bid out the contract and still meet a fall 2012 deadline for a federal Race to the Top grant."

and:

"The News has also learned that Wireless Generation paid as much as $5,000 a month to lobbying firms to advocate for the contract and Race to the Top funds with state officials."

and:

"•In August 2010, the state was named a winner in Race to the Top, netting nearly $700 million.
•Starting in September 2010, Wireless Generation paid as much as $5,000 a month to lobbying firm Public Strategies to gain "agency support" for a no-bid contract, records show."