Customer Situation and Requirements:

• Company are moving premises from a small, single room, to a large, multiple level factory premises
• Company would like a centralised server, which means that they can share files, folders and data between all computers on the network, and also integrate with their current hosted IMAP service
• 2 New PCs need to be ordered and installed

Assessment + Plan:

• Review of entire network and IT configuration.
• Specification of new machinery fit for purpose
• Coordination between 3rd party network engineers, Ergochair directors and suppliers
• Pre-preparation of new server and new client machines
• On-site execution
• Follow up support

Deliverance:

• Session 1: Assessment of new and old premises with photographs taken, network points tested and consult with directors.
• Emails/plans: Several stages of in-depth email discussions with all directors to assess requirements. Liason with 3rd party network engineer. Procurement of new hardware fit for purpose and easy ordering setup. 2 new Windows 7 desktop machines plus a higher end Windows 7 desktop host client machine on a UPS. All peripherals were ordered with best available internet deals.
• Session 2: Preparation of all new machines at Computer Geeks HQ. Installation of all software required and networking set up for seemless integration and installation. Remote support tools installed.
• Session 3: On-site deliverence. 2 members of Computer Geeks start on-site for physical move of all equipment from Site 1 to Site 2. On-site troubleshooting of network error resolved and overcome.
• Session 4: Several remote support sessions, telephone calls and emails to make sure all things were running smoothly. Fixed network issues with email, printer installations and hibernation error in the server.

Results:

• Customer has safer, more secure, faster network between all nodes in the new premises
• Wireless 'N' access for laptop and removable devices
• Remote support capabilities for all machines set in place
• Faster internet and more reliable hosting of the company working folder/mapped drive

Testimonial:

"We found Computer Geeks quite by accident, through an internet search, some 18 months ago…since when they have been extraordinarily helpful in assisting us with reviewing & revising our IT system.

We are very fortunate that our business has grown over the past couple of years and we’ve frequently needed to add to the IT infrastructure plus improve the way in which we process and protect our data.

Nick has been instrumental in helping us with the planning and specification of what’s required. He very quickly learnt and understood our needs and has provided constant guidance and advice throughout the process, enabling us to work with minimum disruption whilst changes have taken place.

We’ve recently moved premises and Nick’s help has been invaluable in completely reconfiguring our system to suit the new building, including installation of a server network.

He is always on hand, with a rapid response rate, to deal with any unexpected issues that arise; I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him and his company to anyone looking for highly effective, knowledgeable, no-nonsense, IT support."

Jo Jones, Marketing & Sales Director, Ergochair Ltd

 

You can find more information on Ergochair's innovative products here: www.ergochair.co.uk

More information – Extracts from planning stage:

Some extracts from the IT consultancy part of the execution:

Ergochair

5 points of consideration:

1. Networking
2. Internet
3. Fileserver
4. Email + Website
5. Configuration/Installation

..

5. Configuration/installation - A plan to get things done
   1. Patching: Matching up the desired wall point numbers to the cables in the cabinet, connecting to the router that the 3rd party has installed.
   2. Physical move of the equipment: Once the networking kit has been installed, and the wall points tested and active, the computers can be physically moved to that new office, and to these active wall points, or indeed an intermediary switch which in turn connects to an active wall point

..
Summary

1. Networking must be done first
2. Internet must be added afterwards/simultaneously
3. Computers then physically moved to new locations and plugged in
4. File-server added to improve network facilities
5. Assuming the networking is set, the fileserver is set up, the internet is live, then business as usual

..
Review

• Are you happy with the approach of a business desktop server PC being an adequate piece of equipment as a fileserver?
• Could you outline the plans and contact details of your 3rd party internet/network provider, and the equipment he is going to install? What date is he installing?
• What date are you planning to physically move the computers to desks in the new premises?
• any other considerations?