Contrary to the popular opinion, a mainframe is not a bad idea. Look at IBMs'
Z processors. They are relatively inexpensive , powerful and flexable. But the
mainframe is not the total answer. It is simply the central data repository. Each
school might want their own data store which is not connected to the main data
store. The main data could be on a mainframe and schools could have their own
simpler LANs.

I haven't seen a virus or worm written for a mainframe. They are secure and there are
security measures that can enhance them. The cost of programming is propblbly the
same as it would be for a LAN. And I know of schools that use the mainframe as a
central data source.