On December 13, 2024, the DigitalPakt 2.0 was launched—a powerful signal from the federal and state governments to continue pushing forward the digitalization of schools. New hardware, smart learning methods, and the development of digital skills are in focus.
In this post, we explain exactly what DigitalPakt 2.0 entails, highlight key considerations for technical implementation, and introduce IT solutions that optimally equip schools.
The first big step towards digital education
With the DigitalPakt 1.0 (officially: ‘DigitalPakt Schule’), the federal government has been supporting the federal states in expanding the digital infrastructure in schools since 2019. The aim was to enable modern teaching through modern IT equipment - e.g. WLAN, tablets, smartboards and digital learning platforms.
A total of 6.5 billion euros was available: 5 billion through the original programme and 1.5 billion as special coronavirus funds. The federal government covered 90% of the costs, the federal states 10%.
Implementation was initially slow, but by the end of 2024, over 5.3 billion euros had been committed, over 500 projects had been completed and many more were underway. Nevertheless, there were differences between the federal states - not all schools benefited equally, and some places lacked reliable Wi-Fi.
The programme expired at the end of the application period in May 2024. The continuation of the programme is already underway: the DigitalPakt 2.0 is intended to drive the digital transformation forward - with a focus on IT infrastructure, support and digital education.
The next stage on the road to digital education
The new Digital Pact for Schools 2.0 was officially launched in January 2025. At the end of 2024, the federal and state governments agreed to continue the successful first programme, which has already supported many schools with digitalisation.
Scope and funding
A total budget of 5 billion euros is available for the years 2025 to 2030 - shared equally between the federal and state governments. The federal government will provide 2.5 billion euros, while the federal states will contribute the same amount, whereby part of the sum can be offset against measures already planned. The programme is set to run for six years.
What is to be achieved?
The Digital Pact 2.0 is intended to strengthen the digitalisation of schools structurally and in the long term. The focus is on three key areas:
Organisation and implementation
The federal states are responsible for their own implementation and define funding guidelines. School authorities and local authorities must set out in their media concepts how the digital expansion is to be realised in concrete terms. The first federal states have already started to submit applications. Unused funds can be used flexibly until the end of the programme. Financially weaker local authorities are also to receive targeted support - as was the case in the first digital pact.
The federal and state governments agree that the digital pact must not be limited to the purchase of equipment. Above all, it should ensure that digital education is implemented in a sustainable, pedagogically sensible and quality-assured manner.
For digitalisation in schools to succeed, several technical requirements must be met. It is particularly important to overcome existing differences in equipment between regions so that all pupils have the same educational opportunities.
1. durability and ease of maintenance
A powerful and comprehensive network infrastructure is a prerequisite for digital learning processes. The hardware should function reliably for many years and have a robust, sustainable design. Maintenance work must be easy to carry out and spare parts and software updates should be available in the long term. Low-maintenance or centrally manageable systems that minimise the workload for IT managers are particularly advantageous.
Example: Robust, centrally manageable switches, access points and routers from Cisco, HPE Aruba, LANCOM Systems, Teltonika or Juniper.
2. energy efficiency and sustainability
Energy-saving devices and environmentally friendly concepts are well suited. The use of refurbished hardware is also permitted in many federal states, provided it fulfils certain quality criteria and is offered with a guarantee.
Example: Refurbished devices with a guarantee or energy-saving network devices.
3. future-proofing and scalability
The technology must be flexibly expandable and compatible with future standards. This includes modular networks and expandable server solutions that can be customised to meet growing requirements.
Example: stackable switches and modular servers from HPE or Dell.
4. IT security and GDPR compliance
All systems must fulfil current security standards, for example through the use of firewalls, VLANs and access controls. Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is also mandatory when processing and storing sensitive data.
Example: Firewalls from Fortinet, SonicWall or WatchGuard with network management for secure operation.
5. Centralised administration and user-friendliness
Simple, centralised management interfaces are crucial for teachers and IT administrators. Cloud-based management solutions or pre-installed tools make it easier to control and monitor the IT infrastructure.
Example: Cloud-managed WLAN access points and network management software.
6. Power supply and reliability
A reliable power supply is the basis for ensuring uninterrupted teaching. UPS systems protect IT devices from power failures and surges.
Example: UPS systems from APC, CyberPower or Eaton, specially customised for educational institutions.
7. Interactive learning and accessibility
Modern presentation solutions such as interactive whiteboards, displays and projectors make lessons livelier and more practical. Laptops, tablets and the right accessories help to make lesson content flexible, clear and accessible for everyone. The IT solutions used must also cater for pupils with disabilities. This includes, for example, interactive boards with screen reader support or adaptive input devices that enable barrier-free learning.
For the DigitalPakt 2.0, we offer you an extensive selection of high-quality devices for all areas - from network technology and UPS systems to IT security and server solutions. We rely on renowned brands such as APC, Cisco, CyberPower, Eaton, Fortinet, HPE Aruba, Juniper, LANCOM, Teltonika and WatchGuard.
Below you will find a small selection of suitable products - with direct links to our offers.
Cisco offers high-performance switch series that are ideal for use in schools. The Catalyst 9000 series (C9200, C9300, C9500) in particular is an excellent choice for larger educational establishments. It impresses with its high performance, scalability and support for software-defined networking (SDN).
LANCOM Systems offers a wide range of switches and routers, including the LANCOM Managed Switch series, which is characterised by high reliability and simple management. The 1800 series and 1900 series of routers are ideal, as they feature Gigabit Ethernet and SFP ports (fibre optics) and are prepared for modern IT infrastructures in schools.
LANCOM Switches:
LANCOM Router:
HPE Aruba offers both powerful access points and efficient switch series that are specially tailored to the requirements of educational institutions. In terms of access points, the Aruba AP-500 and Aruba AP-600 series are particularly suitable for high-performance, future-proof WLAN solutions. For smaller schools with limited IT staff, the Aruba Instant On access points are a particularly user-friendly and cost-effective choice. The Aruba Instant On switches and the CX6000 series offer simple management, reliable performance and integrated PoE functionality.
HPE Aruba Access Points:
HPE Aruba Switches:
Juniper offers a wide range of high-performance network switches and routers. The EX series in particular impresses with its scalability, high performance and reliability. The ACX series of routers impresses with its robust design and stable performance.
Juniper Switches:
Teltonika offers a range of reliable switches and routers that are ideal for use in schools. The TSW1 and TSW2 series (unmanaged) includes robust plug-and-play devices that are particularly easy to install. The managed switches offer advanced functions such as centralised management and network monitoring and are therefore suitable for larger school networks. The RUTX series and the RUT9 series of routers are suitable for the DigitalPakt 2.0, as they impress with their robust design and high reliability.
Teltonika Switches:
Teltonika Router:
CyberPower offers a wide range of UPS systems that are optimised to meet the requirements of the education sector. The Value Pro series is ideal for smaller IT devices such as WLAN routers or interactive whiteboards. The PFC Sinewave and Advanced PFC Sinewave series are ideal for more powerful devices with active PFC. The Professional Rack series was specially developed for server and network cabinets in schools and impresses with its flexible rack or tower operation. For particularly critical infrastructures in schools, the Online series - including Online High-Density, Online XL, Online S (A) and Online S (UM) - offer an uninterruptible power supply with double-conversion technology.
APC offers reliable UPS systems for a wide range of applications in schools and educational environments. The Back-UPS series is ideal for individual workstations, presentation PCs or network storage and provides stable basic protection. The Smart-UPS SMT series is based on line-interactive technology with pure sine wave and is ideal for protecting media technology. For demanding environments, the Smart-UPS On-Line series offers an uninterruptible power supply with double conversion technology and power ranges from 1,000 to 20,000 VA.
Eaton offers a wide range of reliable UPS solutions that are especially suitable for use in the education sector. The Eaton 5S series represents a solid entry-level solution and is ideal for protecting PCs, interactive whiteboards or smaller network devices. For more demanding applications, the 5SC, 5P and 5PX series offer modern line-interactive UPSs with LCD display and automatic voltage regulation (AVR) - ideal for protecting media technology in classrooms. The 9PX and 9SX series are based on double conversion technology (online UPS) and offer particularly high reliability for centralised IT systems in schools.
Fortinet offers numerous firewall solutions for educational institutions, ideal as part of the DigitalPakt 2.0. The compact FortiGate 40F, 60F and 80F models from the FortiGate Small Business series are particularly suitable for small to medium-sized schools. They impress with their low power consumption, space-saving design and integrated SD-WAN - perfect for modern school networks with limited resources. For larger educational institutions, we recommend the FortiGate Campus Firewalls, including the 100F, 200F or 400F. These offer higher performance and comprehensive security functions.
SonicWall offers customised firewalls for schools of all sizes: The TZ series reliably protects smaller institutions with up to 150 users with functions such as gateway antivirus, anti-spyware and intrusion prevention. The NSa series is suitable for larger schools with more complex networks thanks to its high performance. It offers advanced network security with Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and scalability through multiple interfaces. For very large carrier structures, the NSsp series offers maximum performance and scalability.
WatchGuard offers powerful firewalls for educational institutions of all sizes. For smaller schools and campuses, the T-Series is ideal for networks of up to 150 users with compact devices, high security and easy management. Larger schools and school centres benefit from the Firebox M series, which offers more performance, scalable interfaces and advanced security features such as deep packet inspection.
The DigitalPakt 2.0 offers schools a unique opportunity to expand their IT infrastructure digitally and future-proof. From network technology and security solutions to modern presentation technology - the right products and well thought-out planning are crucial for success.
At IT-Planet, we support you with customised solutions for every requirement - from robust switches and reliable UPS systems to high-performance firewalls and servers. Whether new or refurbished: In our shop you will find a wide selection of products from leading brands - ideally matched to the requirements of the education sector.
Let us advise you individually! Simply use our enquiry form to request your desired products - our experienced service team will be happy to help you. Together we can take your school to the next digital level!
