CASE STUDIES
server upgrade

Area of assistance: Systems and network upgrade

Technology introduced: Microsoft Windows 2000 Pofessional and Advanced Server

Problem: The arrival of Microsoft's Windows 2000 software means increased productivity, security and ease of use for businesses. The need for encryption, mobile computing and web printing as well as improved security, ease of administration, simplified user interface and file access, help make moving to Windows 2000 an easy decision.

Analysis: Systems running Windows NT 4.0 Server software could be easily upgraded to Windows 2000 Server software. Other clients with Windows 95 and 98 had to be replaced. All inventoried software and data was spread out over the network and decentralized. The lack of policies and auditing allowed for potential loss of proprietory and sensitive information. There was no remote access strategy. The existing desktops had been depreciated making it easier to invest in new laptops and mobile devices like palm computers and cell calendars.

Strategy: Upgrade to a native Windows 2000 network with a Cisco router including VPN and IPSec.

Step 1. Inventory all existing system software and hardware to verify HCL inclusion.

Step 2. Run hardware compatibility reports and determine the most cost effective upgrade paths.

Step 3. Recommend comprehensive "Directory Services" utilization with implemented Distributive File Services (DFS) including redundant DFS roots, etc.

Step 4. Initiate roaming profiles, with NTFS and shared folder security including compression and encryption. Workstation and Server security and auditing policies were recommended to regain control of the resources allocated to users and customers.

Step 5. Dynamic Disk with NTFS along with mount points to simply data access and drive management.

Step 6. Disaster recovery and protection strategy that included integrated UPS and Tape Backup along with RAID 5 hardware redundancy solution.

Step 7. Configure Hardware for better mobile power management, docking efforts, and offline file use. The user can now work on the road, from home, and over the internet

Conclusion: The user now has a solution capable of effectively extending the internal network beyond the workplace. The concern of security had been eliminated and production and value has increased according to the client by at least "200%."

If you would like to know more about this solution or the client for whom we provided it, please contact us.