Case Studies

1. Experts: A regional bank was having problems with their Exchange server. We offered to repair the problem, but they opted to fly in an expert from Atlanta. Soon after arriving the expert crashed the server, taking down all of their internal and external e-mail and messaging. Two days and no sleep later the bank’s IT director asked if we could help. Six hours after starting the project we had rebuilt the server, restored all data and had them back in full operation.

2. Experience: A medical group asked us to solve a series of network problems. Their backup was not functioning properly, their SQL database was being corrupted several time per week, and their workstations were losing connectivity. Most of the problems stemmed from lack of knowledge and lack of maintenance on the part of their computer tech, a mid 40-year-old man who boasted having more than 15 years experience. It was apparent that his strengths were in older Windows systems, but he was lost when it came to SQL Server, Terminal Services and current network operating systems. Just because someone can repair a Model A Ford doesn’t mean they know anything about today’s cars.

3. Knowledge: A government agency was suffering through a number of issues with their network printers, email, backup and network storage. We quickly solved their problems by making adjustments to their File and Exchange servers and by adding network storage hardware. Why did they need us? Their computer engineer was a gentleman in his late 30s who had recently acquired his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (M.C.S.E.) designation. He had a great deal of book knowledge, but not the experience to implement it. All he could see were trees. He did not have the experience to see the forest.

4. Security: To meet federal HIPAA requirements (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), a nursing and rehabilitation center hired a HIPAA consultant to direct overall compliance and engaged us to design and implement information (network/computer) security and compliance measures. Working with the HIPAA consultant, we installed a firewall with secure remote and VPN access, implemented enterprise anti-virus/spyware, established control of users’ access through Active Directory and group policies, installed redundant systems to ensure continuous operation and prevent data loss, and provided detailed documentation on each of their information systems. The project was completed on-time and on-budget, and the HIPAA consultant confirmed that the information systems were in compliance.

5. Migration: We were engaged by a large law firm to migrate their network from Novell to Windows Server 2003. This project included several opportunities such as a file server that was out of storage space, GroupWise in-boxes with 10,000 to 14,000 messages some of which were corrupt, a SQL database to be migrated from a workstation to SQL Server, and a host of security issues. The migration was completed as planned and was almost seamless for the customer. The most notable changes for users were faster network access and the substitution of Microsoft Outlook for GroupWise.

6. Fortune 100: We are regularly dispatched by one of the national support companies to provide network support for Fortune 100 and other publicly traded companies. Most often these calls are to troubleshoot and repair broadband, frame relay or a Virtual Private Network setup between the customer’s North Alabama plant or office and their home office. Other times it is to replace or repair a firewall, router, motherboard, or other piece of hardware.