Crown Foods - Case Study
Crown Foods wanted to upgrade there existing I.T. systems from an outdated Server and dated desktop PC’s. They also required on going I.T. support for the system and their users.
Their primary requirements were as follows;
- Future proof their I.T. system for the next 5 years
- Increase working efficiency and allow a number of employees to work from home.
- Facilitate mobile staff access to e-mail while on the road
- Allow an agent in Thailand to access the office system remotely.
- Migrate their existing data, e-mail and accounting systems to the new system with as little disruption as possible.
We proposed the following solution:
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Replacement of the existing Server with a Windows 2003 Small Business Server
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Replace the 10 desktop PC’s with new ones running Windows XP Professional.
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The installation of Microsoft Office 2003 on all desktop and Laptop PC’s to create a uniform platform.
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The installation of a Terminal Server to allow remote users to log on through a remote desktop session, this was of particular use for the remote Thai worker.
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The Installation of a new Router and Firewall to facilitate fixed and dial in VPN connections required for remote users.
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Migration of the existing e-mail system (Pegasus) to Microsoft Exchange.
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Migration of the existing accounts system (DeFacto) to SQL Server running on the new Small Business Server
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Secure Outlook Web Access for roaming users while away from the office.
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An anti SPAM solution (Hexamail Guard) based on the Server and allowing user review within Outlook.
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A common Anti-Virus package (CA eTrust) that is centrally updated via the Server
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A back-up solution using a DAT Tape drive allowing back-up of Microsoft Exchange at a document level as well as crucial data, system state and OS files.
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A flexible support contract that met their ongoing day to day support requirements
The above specification was agreed and the new system was built and tested in house. We then took this to site and migrated the user accounts, customer data and e-mail during a quite period. The accounts data had to remain on the existing Server until the software supplier could upgrade the database to SQL, so we incorporated the old Server into the new network on a temporary basis.
After the accounts system had been upgraded we switched the accounts users over to the new accounts system and de-commissioned the old Server. New Routers and Firewalls were configured and sent out to a number of employees to allow them to work from home via fixed VPN connections to the office. Secure Outlook Web Access was implemented through the external Firewall for travelling workers. The entire system was implemented with a minimum of downtime to the business and seamless migration of data from the old system to the new.
Foresolutions continue to provide them with ongoing support in the form of a Helpdesk, Remote control via a secure VPN and on-site assistance with any issue that cannot be resolved remotely. This is all covered by a fixed monthly support charge.
